A six-year-old boy from Edinburgh suffered severe burns after coming into contact with giant hogweed, a plant described as the most dangerous in Britain. Oliver Crozier was taken to hospital after his arms and legs were scorched. His father, Scott, initially thought the rashes were sunburns, but they developed into blisters overnight and doctors later confirmed they were second-degree burns.
Scott Crozier said the blisters were concerning and grew larger; he took his son to Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline for treatment. The hospital popped the blisters and removed the flaps of skin, prescribing medication. A red rash remained for two days after treatment, and it took two weeks for the burns to heal completely.
Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum, contains sap that can cause skin burns, permanent scarring, and even blindness if it gets into the eyes. Sunlight can worsen the damage. Mike Duddy of the Mersey Basin Rivers Trust called it "the most dangerous plant in Britain."
Last month, a five-year-old girl was also hospitalised after touching the plant near Salisbury. Her mother, Rebecca Barnes, highlighted the lack of public warnings and urged authorities to place pictures of the plant on footpaths to prevent accidents. Guy Barter of the Royal Horticultural Society advised against growing the plant due to the severe injuries it can cause.
