New Brunswickers being warned about the dangers of Giant Hogweed which was first discovered in the province in 2010.
Giant hogweed has clear watery sap with toxins which after exposure to sunlight, can cause skin inflammation, blisters, burns and a rash. If the sap comes in contact with your eyes, it can even cause temporary blindness.
You usually can find Giant Hogweed in ditches and near streams.
It reaches a height of 1.5 to 5 metres tall with a thick hollow stem that is very hairy and bristly with purplish colored spots or blotches.
When fully grown, the leaves can be up to 1.5 metres wide and 3 metres long with numerous white flowers clustered in an umbrella shape.
