Indiana Residents Beware: Giant Hogweed, a Toxic and Invasive Plant

Attention Indiana residents: Be cautious of an invasive and highly toxic plant known as Giant Hogweed. While many think of poison ivy and related plants as the primary hazards, Giant Hogweed poses a significant threat due to its size and skin-irritating sap. What is Giant Hogweed? Described by Purdue University's Weed Science Extension as notorious and invasive, Giant Hogweed is a perennial plant belonging to the carrot family. It can grow up to 15 feet tall, with expansive leaves up to five feet wide. Its hollow stems, measuring 2 to 4 inches in diameter, are covered in bristles and reddish-purple spots. Habitat and Spread in Indiana This resilient weed commonly appears in unmanaged areas, wastelands, along waterways, roads, and railway tracks. It spreads via tuberous roots, forming dense canopies that displace native vegetation. Health Risks and Precautions Contact with the plant's sap can lead to photo-dermatitis, a condition where skin becomes sensitive to sunlight, resulting in swelling, blistering, and pain. The plant's clear, watery sap is a dangerous irritant to anyone who comes into contact with it. Just like poison ivy, it should be avoided at all costs. Safe Removal ...