Plant that causes third degree burns now blooming in Canada
Digital Reporter
Friday, June 22, 2018, 3:46 PM - Giant hogweed is not new to Canada, but every summer unsuspecting residents come into contact with the dangerous plant, leading to rashes, burns and -- in extreme cases -- blindness.
The plant is a perennial, which means it comes back every spring. It will start to bloom in a few weeks and reach heights of up to 5 metres in the right conditions.
Every year, officials in both Canada and the U.S. warn residents not to touch the plants, which pop up in large numbers on both sides of the border, although it has not been found in the Canadian territories.
Giant hogweed is often mistaken for wild parsnip, another plant that can cause blistering burns and is native to all provinces. Its appearance is often described as a larger version of Queen Anne's lace.
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The Nature Conservancy of Canada says giant hogweed is one of the country's most dangerous plants. It's asking people to document sightings, which have been spotted flowering in the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.
WHY IS GIANT HOGWEED DANGEROUS?
When combined with sunlight, sap from the plants can cause extreme skin irritation, temporary or permanent blindness and scarring.
Burns acquired from the plant can continue to cause painful blisters when exposed to sunlight for up to a decade.
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According to weather.com, there have been several reports of children in the U.S. and the U.K. suffering from severe burns following interactions with the plant, which blooms in mid-August.
While reports in Canada have been minimal, a woman in Renfrew, Ontario was told in 2014 that she would have to avoid direct sunlight for three years after being badly burned by wild parsnip, which belongs to the same family as giant hogweed.
Giant hogweed was introduced to Canada via Asia, and it has thrived in our various climates.
Should you come into contact with the plant, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and avoid sunlight for 48 hours.
If you think you have been burned by giant hogweed, see a physician immediately.
Giant hogweed sightings can be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
GIANT HOGWEED PRE-BLOOM:
GIANT HOGWEED POST-BLOOM:
Sources: Winnipeg Sun | The Weather Channel
