Giant hogweed, a toxic and invasive plant, is causing problems in Leicestershire during the summer months, causing severe discomfort and blistering skin if exposed to ultraviolet light, according to the Property Care Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group. Children playing outdoors are particularly at risk from the plant, which has highly serrated or divided leaves, is several meters in height and can produce large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads. Symptoms of exposure can become a long-term condition, recurring over a period of years. The blisters caused by the plant can be severe and require urgent medical attention. The recent wet spring combined with higher mid-May temperatures are providing ideal conditions for the plant.
Additional Piece:
How to Identify and Treat Giant Hogweed
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a non-native plant that can be found growing in the wild and in parks and gardens across the UK. The toxic and invasive plant can cause severe skin irritation and blistering, as well as long-term effects such as recurring rash and itching that can last for years.
Identifying Giant Hogweed
One of the best ways to avoid contact with giant hogweed is to be able to identify the plant. Following the Property Care Association’s five-point guide will help you identify the plant with confidence.
1.Height: As its name suggests, giant hogweed is a tall plant that can grow up to several meters in height.
2.Stem size: The plant has a stem that is up to 10cm in diameter.
3.Flowers: The plant produces large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads with a single flower cluster capable of producing 50,000 seeds per head.
4.Leaves: Giant hogweed has highly serrated or divided leaves, reaching up to three meters in length.
5.Markings: Giant parsley stems are usually covered in purple spots, with sharp bristles also found on the stem and under the leaves.
Treating Giant Hogweed
If you come into contact with giant hogweed, there are steps you can take to reduce the severity of the reaction and avoid long-term effects.
1.Wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible.
2.Avoid exposure to sunlight immediately and cover the affected area to protect it from ultraviolet light.
3.Do not scratch the affected area, as this can increase the severity of the reaction.
4.Seek medical attention if the blisters are severe and persistent or if you experience vomiting, dizziness or breathing difficulties.
5.Keep the affected area covered with a bandage or clothing until the reaction has subsided.
Preventing Giant Hogweed
Preventing giant hogweed from growing can be difficult, but there are steps you can take. One of the best methods is to identify the plant and remove it before it can spread. It is important to wear protective clothing when handling the plant, including gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and eye protection.
If you are unsure whether your garden or local area has been affected by giant hogweed, it is important to seek the advice of a professional. They can identify the plant and provide advice on how best to remove it safely and effectively.
Summary:
The Property Care Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group has warned Leicestershire residents of the dangers posed by giant hogweed. Exposure to the toxic plant can cause severe blistering and discomfort when exposed to ultraviolet light, with symptoms recurring for years. The recent wet spring and warmer temperatures are favourable conditions for the plant. The five-point guide to identifying giant hogweed can help to avoid unintentional contact, and washing with soap and water and avoiding sunlight can alleviate severe reactions. Protective clothing, removal of plants and seeking professional advice can prevent growth.
—————————————————-
| Article | Link |
|---|---|
| UK Artful Impressions | Premiere Etsy Store |
| Sponsored Content | View |
| 90’s Rock Band Review | View |
| Ted Lasso’s MacBook Guide | View |
| Nature’s Secret to More Energy | View |
| Ancient Recipe for Weight Loss | View |
| MacBook Air i3 vs i5 | View |
| You Need a VPN in 2023 – Liberty Shield | View |
A trade body has warned the people of Leicestershire about a toxic and invasive weed that can cause big problems during the summer months. The sap of giant hogweed is extremely toxic, and after skin contact with the non-native plant, any exposure to ultraviolet light, such as sunlight, can cause severe discomfort and even blistering.
Daniel Docking, technical director of the Property Care AssociationThe ‘s Invasive Weed Control Group said: “Every year, we get reports of people who have been injured after inadvertently coming into contact with giant hogweed. Very often They are children affected while playing outdoors in the summer months.
“Symptoms of exposure can include a rash, itching, and blistering where the skin comes in contact. In some cases, the blisters can be so severe that urgent medical attention is required.”
“It can also become a long-term condition, recurring over a period of years, with the rash and itching returning each time the skin is exposed to UV light. This year we are particularly concerned as the wet spring coupled with the warmer temperatures in mid-May are providing the optimal conditions for the plant to thrive.”
The PCA has a five-point guide to help the public identify the plant:
- Height: As its name suggests, giant hogweed is a tall plant that can grow up to several meters in height.
- Stem size: The plant has a stem that is up to 10 cm in diameter.
- Flowers: The plant produces large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads with a single flower cluster capable of producing 50,000 seeds per head.
- Leaves: Giant hogweed has highly serrated or divided leaves, reaching up to three meters in length.
- Markings: Giant parsley stems are usually covered in purple spots, with sharp bristles also found on the stem and under the leaves.
Added Daniel: “Hot hogweed has distinct characteristics, which should help people recognize it, although we urge the public not to get too close to the plant for identification.
“It can sometimes be confused with cow parsley, cow parsley or even UK native hemlock. However, these are much smaller in size and their leaves have a smoother outline.
Get all the latest news straight to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter here.
READ MORE:
https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/property/giant-hogweed-warning-leicestershire-how-8491230.amp
—————————————————-