City of Hamilton Public Works staff have reported the discovery of **Giant Hogweed** along Spencer Creek and roadways in Dundas and have observed some plants on private property in Dundas and Flamborough.
## The City of Hamilton offers the following warning: If you come in contact with this plant you could experience severe burns to your skin and risk temporary or permanent blindness.
The sap found in the Giant Hogweed stem and stem hairs causes phytophotodermatitis, a serious skin inflammation activated by exposure to the sun. Symptoms typically consist of painful blisters that form within 48 hours of exposure, and pigmented scars that can last up to 6 years. Blindness can result from contact with the eyes.
## Identifying Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed, *Heracleum mantegazzianum*, is an invasive plant that looks similar to cow parsnip, but poses a serious threat to human health and natural ecosystems. The Giant Hogweed can reach an impressive height of 5 metres when flowering. The purple-spotted hollow green bristly stems can be 5 to 10 centimetres (2 to 4 inches) in diameter. Leaves are deeply lobed and toothed. The large blossom consists of numerous white flowers clustered in an umbrella-shaped head that is more than 120 centimetres across. Most plant parts are covered in stiff white hairs that are filled with sap. *Click on the picture above to access the slideshow*
Giant Hogweed prefers cool, damp habitats and is found in the following types of disturbed habitat:
– Along the banks of waterways
– In ditches
– Along railways
– On roadsides
– In fields
– In vacant lots
## If you are exposed to Giant Hogweed:
– Remove the sap as quickly as possible without spreading it. Use a sheet of absorbent paper and do not rub. Wash the affected area with soap and rinse thoroughly with water. Then wash your hands.
– Change and wash your clothes to avoid contaminating other parts of your body or other people.
– Cover affected areas (gloves, long pants, and long sleeves) to avoid exposing them to light (including artificial light) for at least 48 hours.
– If your eyes have come in contact with the sap, rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water for ten minutes. Wear dark sunglasses to avoid exposing your eyes to light.
– **Seek medical advice as quickly as possible.**
If you find Giant Hogweed in area parks or on trails, please report it by calling 905-546-CITY (2489). The City of Hamilton strongly encourages property owners to contact a licensed weed exterminator to remove Giant Hogweed from private property.
More information can be found here:
[Hamilton Department of Public Works.](http://www.hamilton.ca/CityDepartments/PublicWorks/Parks/Giant+Hogweed.htm?WT.mc_id=giant-hogweed&WT.hamilton_redirect_friendly=1)
[Safety Tips](http://www.hamilton.ca/CityDepartments/PublicWorks/Parks/Hogweed+safety+tips.htm)
[The Hamilton Spectator](http://www.thespec.com/news-story/2161690-beware-of-giant-hogweed/)
