Bassetlaw residents warned to steer clear of toxic giant hogweed plants

A national trade body is issuing a timely warning for people in Bassetlaw, particularly youngsters, to be vigilant to the dangers of the invasive plant, giant hogweed, as the summer holidays continue
By John Smith
Published 4th Aug 2022, 12:35 BST
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The plant’s sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a danger to public health, and cases are often reported in the summer holidays when young people encounter it.

Coming into contact with any part of the invasive, non-native weed, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin.

Dr Peter Fitzsimons, technical manager of the Property Care Association’s (PCA) invasive weed control group, said: “Each year we hear of people who are injured by giant hogweed and quite often it is children who encounter it while out playing in the summer holidays.

Giant hogweed growing alongside a road. People are being warned to steer clear of the poisonous plantGiant hogweed growing alongside a road. People are being warned to steer clear of the poisonous plant
Giant hogweed growing alongside a road. People are being warned to steer clear of the poisonous plant
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“Our advice is to stay away from this plant and not allow its toxic sap to come into contact with skin in the sunlight.

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“The sap can also be transferred via touch, so it can possibly affect somebody else through clothing and footwear.

“Symptoms include a rash, itching and blisters where skin comes into contact with it.

“In some cases, the blistering can be so severe that urgent medical attention is required.

“The situation is made particularly serious as this can become a long-term condition, an allergic response called ‘sensitisation,’ which can recur over a period of years, with the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to sunlight.”

“Where exposure has occurred to the skin, we recommend washing the affected area, covering it up and seeking medical advice immediately.”

Capable of reaching a height of five metres, giant hogweed has a five to eight centimetre diameter stem and a large, white, umbrella shaped flowering head.

Its leaves, which are sharply serrated or divided, can reach up to two metres in width, while the stem is usually covered in bristles and has blotchy purple markings.

Dr Fitzsimons added: “Giant hogweed can spread rapidly once established in an area and can really impact on the ecology of an area, as it creates a dense canopy cutting off light at soil level and has no known natural pests or diseases.”

For more details on giant hogweed and the work of the PCA, click here.

Related topics:Bassetlaw