Hogweed sap can make you more susceptible to sunburn. (Photo courtesy of the DNR)
A fast-growing invasive plant is spreading in the Great Lakes region. Officials are especially worried about this plant because it can cause your skin to burn. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Bill Cohen explains:
Transcript
A fast-growing invasive plant is spreading throughout Michigan and other parts of the region. Officials are especially worried about this plant because it can cause your skin to burn.
The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Bill Cohen explains:
Hogweed is so unusual looking, it stands out. It can grow twelve feet high with big white umbrella shaped flowers, leaves as large as five feet across, and white hairs on the stems.
Its unique look has prompted members of garden clubs to swap samples and spread the plant around, but that’s a problem because if you get hogweed sap on you, it can neutralize yours skin’s protection against the sun.
The result: blisters, just like a second-degree burn. Lee Ann Mizer speaks for the Ohio Agriculture
Department.
“I guess the closest thing for people to understand in comparison is that of poison ivy, and this is something that’s a lot more dangerous than poison ivy.”
Federal and state agriculture officials advise people who spot hogweed in forests or on their own property to stay away and call authorities. To kill the plants, they use a special pesticide.
For the GLRC, I’m Bill Cohen.