Giant Hogweed

(This 1220th Buffalo Sunday News column was first published on August 10, 2014.)

Ann Hacker called my attention recently to a patch of giant hogweed near a fishing area on Twelve Mile Creek in Wilson. She has reported this discovery to the Department of Environmental Conservation's Hogweed Hotline (845-256-3111) but she also suggested that I warn readers about these plants, which will remain until a DEC team removes them. I am glad to do so and offer here a more general warning about this plant.

But why all the fuss? This is just another garden escape with physical characteristics that make it quite interesting. The giant in its name is accurate for it is truly a monster among wildflowers. Full grown plants can rise to 15-20 feet and their umbrella-like flowers can be over two feet in diameter. They look like Queen Anne's lace on steroids. Doesn't that describe a plant worth having around?

Tell that to the people who have been injured by these villains. A reader told me about the third degree burns she received from handling one. At least one boy had to have skin grafts after exposure. Temporary or even permanent blindness is possible. And blistering reoccurs the next time the initially infected area is exposed to the sun - often for years.

This is, quite simply, a very dangerous plant. Most people consider it a far more serious problem wildflower than poison ivy, for example.

What is going on here? Consider what the DEC has to say: "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."

Here is more about this noxious plant derived from the DEC's warnings: The sap can be found "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)."

Your best bet for removal is to call the DEC and have them do so but, if take on this project yourself, be alert to the following: Do not touch the plant with bare skin. Wear long waterproof gloves, long sleeves, pants, boots, and eye protection; synthetic water-resistant materials are best since cotton and linen fibers can soak up the plant sap and be penetrated by plant hairs. Do not touch your bare skin with sap-covered gloves. If you are working with others, keep a good distance from one another as the sap can splash three to four feet. Apply sun block before beginning to work. Launder clothes that may have contacted plants and wash equipment with water immediately after use. If possible limit work to overcast days or after sunset. Don't use weed-whackers or brush cutters as the sap may splatter when stems are cut. Have water, soap and eye-wash near your work area in case of exposure

And if you are exposed: Wash with soap and cold water as soon as possible. Keep any exposed areas away from sunlight for at least two days. If a reaction occurs, apply topical steroids to reduce the severity of the reaction and ease discomfort. If any of the sap gets in your eyes, rinse with water and wear sunglasses. Remember the long-term effects of this exposure: protect those skin areas from the sun for years with cover or sun block. And see a physician if you have reactions or questions.

This relative of cow-parsnip, angelica, carrot and celery (they belong to the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family all of which have that characteristic umbel) is native to the Caucasus region of Central Asia. It was introduced to the gardens of European countries and then to the United States and Canada in the 1800s as an unusual and oddly attractive exotic, which of course it is. But like so many garden plants, it escaped to the wild where in a few locations it has thrived. Some New York sites have been found with over 400 of these nasty aliens.-- Gerry Rising