The state of New York has issued a warning for the giant hogweed, a powerful plant that can cause skin and eye irritation, severe blistering, permanent scarring, and even blindness if contact is made with its sap, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Harmful effects can result from even the slightest contact with the plants leaves, bristles, and stems.
Hogweed is also prevalent in the northeast, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Washington, and Oregon, however it may appear in other states if birds carry their seeds across states.
The DEC has had to deal with the once “ornamental garden plant” for over four years and plans to take out all of the hogweed in the state of New York. The DEC told residents if they see hogweed they must not touch it, but take a picture of it and send its location to the DEC for removal.
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