Beware the giant hogweed: Monster plant that can cause BLINDNESS invades New York

Fiona Roberts Daily Mail 07/05/2011 18:50

A monster plant that can cause blindness just by touching its sap is spreading across New York. State officials are warning residents to watch out for infestations of the dangerous plant, which can grown up to 12ft and has flowers the size of umbrellas.

Teams are working across New York to destroy the monster weed, as its sap can cause severe blisters and permanent scarring.

Beware the giant hogweed: Monster plant that can cause BLINDNESS invades New York - USA - New York - society

Dangerous: Giant hogweed plants can grow up to 12ft high. The weed's sap can cause painful blisters, permanent scarring and even blindness

So far the Department of Environmental Conservation has identified 944 known sites from Nassau County in the east to Chautauqua in the west.

The department is urging New Yorkers to be on the look out for giant hogweed, but warning them not to touch it.

The plant's sap is so corrosive that just brushing against its bristles can cause painful, burning blisters.

It produces the reaction when combined with perspiration and sunlight.

Invasion: This map shows the spread of giant hogweed across New York State. So far 944 sites have been identified

Contact with the plant's sap - just by brushing against its bristles - can cause painful, burning blisters to develop within two days if combined with sunlight and perspiration.

It can also create red blotches, which are painless, but later develop into purple or brown scars that can last for years.

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