Experts have issued a warning about the spread of giant hogweed across the UK, with new interactive maps highlighting hotspots where the dangerous plant has been sighted. The plant, which can grow up to 20 feet tall, poses serious health risks to humans and animals due to its toxic sap.
According to data from WhatShed, the plant has been reported in areas including Heathrow, Bristol, Maidstone, Belfast, and Edinburgh. The sap contains furocoumarins, which can cause severe burns, blisters, and long-term scarring upon skin contact. If the sap enters the eyes, it can lead to permanent blindness.
The plant, originally introduced from Eurasia in the 19th century, is highly invasive and can spread up to two metres in diameter. Its thick green leaves can reach five feet in width, and its stem is covered in purple patches and white hairs that contain the toxic sap.
Anyone who comes into contact with giant hogweed is advised to wash the affected area immediately and seek medical advice, while staying out of direct sunlight to reduce the risk of burning. The plant is listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to cause it to grow in the wild in England and Wales.
Local authorities often remove infestations in public areas, and landowners may face penalties if they fail to control the spread. The public is urged to report sightings via the WhatShed map and to keep a safe distance from the plant.
