Whatever you do, don’t go picking or smelling Giant hogweed. Every year unsuspecting Ontario residents come into contact with the dangerous plant, leading to rashes, burns and — in extreme cases — blindness. The plant is a perennial, which means it comes back every spring. It will start to bloom in June and reach heights of up to 5 meters or 16 feet in the right conditions. Every year, officials in Canada warn residents not to touch the plants, which pop up in large numbers. Giant hogweed is often mistaken for wild parsnip, another plant that can cause blistering burns and is native to all provinces. Its appearance is often described as a larger version of Queen Anne’s lace.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada says giant hogweed is one of Canada’s most dangerous plants. Each year, it asks people to document sightings so the plant can be destroyed along with its roots.
Burns acquired from the plant can continue to cause painful blisters when exposed to sunlight for up to 10 years on your skin. Giant hogweed was introduced to Canada as an ornamental garden plant from Asia, and it has thrived in our climate. Giant hogweed was still available for sale in Canadian nurseries to plant in your yard as late as 2005 when sales were stopped.
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