Harmful Plants

What does it look like?

The plant can grow from four to six metres tall (15 to 20 feet).

The plant has:

• Hollow stems with dark reddish purple spots.
• Leaves are about 1.5 metres wide.
• Both leaves and stems have course white hair.
• Small white flowers in the summer after a few years of growth.

How can giant hogweed hurt you?

If you see giant hogweed, do not touch it.

The plant makes a clear, watery sap that is found in the leaf and stem hairs. The sap in the plant may cause a reaction in the sun. It can cause blisters, burns and black and purple scars. If the sap touches the eye, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

What if I touch it?

If the plant sap touches your skin or eyes:

• Wash the sap off your skin.
• Do not touch your eyes.
• Stay out of sun for at least 48 hours to avoid a skin reaction.
• See a doctor.

What should you do if you find it?

Do not touch the plant.

If the plant is on your property, hire a lawn professional to remove the plant.

If you see the plant in a public space such as a park or on the side of the road, contact the Regional Weed Inspector with the location and description of the giant hogweed. If possible, please attach a photo.

If you see wild parsnip, do not touch it.

The plant produces sap that may cause a skin irritation when exposed to the sun. The reaction can include rashes, blisters, or burns. If the sap touches the eye, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

What if I touch it?

If the plant sap touches your skin or eyes:

• Wash the sap off your skin.
• Do not touch your eyes.
• Cover your skin or stay out of sun.
• See a doctor.

What to do, if you find it?

Do not touch the plant.

If the plant is on your property, hire a lawn professional to remove the plant.

If you see the plant in a public space such as a park or on the side of the road, contact the Regional Weed Inspector with the location and description of the wild parsnip. If possible, please attach a photo.