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Hogweed is here – how to identify and deal with this dangerous plant (Caution Graphic Photos)

11 July, 2011 Ferndale, Giant Hogweed, NYS DEC, Town of Liberty No comments
Hogweed is here – how to identify and deal with this dangerous plant (Caution Graphic Photos)

With news that the invasive Hogweed plant has come to Ferndale, we thought it would be good time to educate you on how to identify it. This plant is no joke – it can permanently burn you and if you rub your eyes after contact you could be blind for life.

Identifying Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is listed as a noxious weed. It is a perennial herb that is in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It can grow 12 feet or more and has hollow, ridged stems that grow 2-4 inches in diameter and have dark reddish-purple blotches.

Hogweed has white flower heads that can grow up to 2 1/2 feet in diameter and has large compound leaves that can grow up to 5 feet wide.

Hogweed is often confused with other plants that look very similar: Cow Parsnip, Wild Parsnip, Angelica, and Poison Hemlock. The NYS DEC has a great page on the differences between Hogweed and those plants: Giant Hogweed Indentification

Hogweed Across New York State

The largest concentration of hogweed is in Western and Central New York State. It came to the United States in the early 20th century as an ornamental garden plant. Seeds are typically distributed by water and birds. Below is a Hogweed concentration map provided by the NYS DEC.

Hogweeds Serious Burns

We cannot stress enough that you should NEVER try getting rid of Hogweed yourself if is on your property. One simple call to the DEC (845-256-3111) and they will come and eradicate the plant for you. Contact with Hogweed sap can severely burn you or blind you.

When giant hogweed sap, which contains photosensitizing furanocoumarins, contacts human skin in conjunction with sunlight, it can cause phytophotodermatitis – a serious skin inflammation. In brief, the sap prevents your skin from protecting itself from sunlight which leads to a very bad sunburn. Heat and moisture (sweat or dew) can worsen the skin reaction. The phototoxic reaction can begin as soon as 15 minutes after contact, with sensitivity peak between 30 minutes and two hours after contact.


What are the symptoms of exposure to giant hogweed sap?

  • Painful blisters that form within 48 hours and become dark and pigmented
  • Scars that last up to six years, though typically only last a few months
  • Long-term sensitivity to sunlight is common
  • Blindness may occur if the sap gets into the eye

    • Where is the toxic sap located?

  • Sap can be located in all parts of the plant but the following have higher concentrations: the lower part of the hollow stems and petioles; the hollow hairs on the plant; the foliage, stem, flower, or fruit (seed).

    • What should you do if you are exposed to giant hogweed sap?

  • Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and COLD water as soon as possible
  • Keep exposed area away from sunlight for 48 hours
  • If a reaction occurs, topical steroids applied early can reduce the severity of the reaction and ease discomfort
  • If sap goes in eyes, rinse them with water and wear sunglasses
  • If a reaction has occurred, the area of skin may be sensitive to sunlight for a few years and you may want to apply sun block or keep the affected area covered from the sun when possible
  • See a physician if you have a reaction or any questions

    • Who to contact if you see Giant Hogweed

    You should contact the NYS Department of Enviromental Conservation right away if you think you have Hogweed Plants. They can help you identify the plant and will come to eradicate it. You can call them at 845-256-3111 or e-mail pictures of the plant to : ghogweed@gw.dec.state.ny.us

    Again – if you suspect Hogweed – call or e-mail the NYS DEC.

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