… we were just talking to our daughter about reconizing this plant in the wild because of it’s nasty skin damaging ability , and can blind you as well … so I thought it a good idea to bring it up here for those who may be un-aware , since we paddlers , campers and general outdoor types would have a higher chance of exposure to it .
I’ve put it in the advice catargory because I think it advisable to learn how to identify the Giant Hogweed plant , you definately DO NOT want to touch any part of this plant in anyway … it can eat your skin up in such a way that plants like Poison Ivy , Sumac , etc. , will seem like kindergarden things in comparison .
So my advice is google it , learn about it’s dangers , and be aware of it .
I’ve not known one person personally who has come into contact with it , but unfortunately many have and do and suffer the consequences … don’t be the next one , hope this post can help edu. those who don’t already know about it .
Sometimes confused with…
…(not giant) cow parsnip.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heracleum_mantegazzianum
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cow_Parsnip
ROUNDUP!
Thanks, I’m sure I’ve seen it, but
didn’t know how dangerous it is.
I’d like to have a walking stick with a little cutting device on the end. I often want to cut thorny or poisonous growth away from trails I’m hiking.
new plants can be small …
....... but just as nasty , and may not be in flower either .
Sure does look like the Cow Parsnip , leaf looks so similar to me .
I keep an eye open for anything that even resembles it . I just think Queen Ann's Lace looking flower and large complex leaf .
Search for skin damage photos from it and it will definately stay stuck in ones mind after "Seeing" what it can do . They say a picture can be worth a thousand words ...
Yes!
If it takes agent orange, then so be it.
Strike by Night!
They are defenceless.
They all need the sun to photosensitize their venom!
http://www.lyricsfreak.com/g/genesis/the+return+of+the+giant+hogweed_20058824.html
Not so easy
They seem immune to all our herbicidal battering.
They
are invincible.
A Weed Apart
Now Poison Ivy,
and Sister Sumac,
though often thought rash ‘n might deservin’ of our flack,
just be scratchin’ surface,
whenz ta light comes plant sans grace,
this psychotic phototoxic roid-rage Queen Anne wrapped in lace!
Chorus:
Be careful how ya stalk,
the Giant Hogweed,
there along them banks where the crawlin’ Snakehead breed,
befo an Asian Carp wumps ya square upside da head,
if yuz fallen in thiz Styx,
blister-mister wished ya wuz dead!
So pull the String on Roundup,
and a Kudzu with Agent Orange,
no withered vine in decline comes of pouring buckets on this barge,
of beastly giant par-none snipper,
cartwheel from Caucas non-repental,
that whore of culture import vulture was surely devil ‘orned a mental!
Chorus:
Be careful how ya stalk,
the Giant Hogweed,
there along them banks where the crawlin’ Snakehead breed,
befo an Asian Carp wumps ya square upside da head,
if yuz fallen in thiz Styx,
blister-mister wished ya wuz dead!