According to environmental officials, a giant invasive plant that contains toxic sap has turned up on Long Island. This Sap has the ability to badly burn human skin. Brought to the United States in 1917 as an Ornamental Plant from the Caucasus Region of Eurasia, this plant can grow as high as 20 feet and sprout 3 feet wide leaves.

This plant is fast-growing and has been invading everywhere it can grow. This includes roadsides, edges of forests and along empty lots as well. The plant known as Giant Hogweed produces thousands of seeds which get dispersed by flowing water and animals. However, the most common way of getting spread is by people who decide to plant it. Hogweed is commonly a problem in central and western New York but it has recently been found in 13 places between Suffolk and Nassau County.

What makes Giant Hogweed invasive is it did not originate in the United States. So when it grows here, it crowds out native species taking away any competition besides itself. Sometimes referred to as Giant Cow Parsley, this species is listed as prohibited in the U.S. Which means the plant is not widespread and so far has only been located in isolated areas. But it most likely will spread if not controlled.

The sap found in the plant contains glucosides that react with the sun’s ultraviolet rays which can severely burn the skin, cause blisters and even temporary blindness. The stem of the plant is spotted with purple sap and can cause what feels like a blistering burn that can take months to fade and will make your skin forever sensitive to the sun. John Wernet of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation says “If you do think you have it, wash immediately with soap and water. If you get it in your eyes, it could cause blindness.”

If you have any reason to believe you have Giant Hogweed, you can email photos to: hogweed@dec.ny.gov or call 845-256-3111.

Thank you to ABC 7 News New York for the original information. You can read more here.