The Garden Bug: Giant Hogweed

By Brenda Weaver

The sap of the Giant Hogweed plant can cause severe skin and eye irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and blindness when combined with sunlight exposure. It is contacted by brushing against the bristles on the stem or breaking the stem or leaves.

If you come in contact with the sap, wash it off as soon as possible with soap and water, and keep the affected skin hidden from sunlight for 48 hours. Giant hogweed is listed as a "noxious weed" by the US government.

Source: www.dec.ny.gov, wikipedia.org