Attention

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not represent our advertisers

Sunday, June 24, 2018

Giant plant that causes third-degree burns, painful blisters and permanent blindness is spotted in Virginia

A horror plant that causes third-degree burns and permanent blindness has been spotted in Northern Virginia.

Officials are warning people to stay clear of the Giant Hogweed plant, which has never before been reported in the state.

The sap of the plant makes the skin so sensitive to sunlight that normal exposure can cause severe burns - a process called phytophotodermatitis.

A brush against the plant can result in painful blisters, permanent scarring and the skin can remain sensitive to sunlight for years after being exposed.

If the sap gets into the eyes, there is potential for blindness.

More

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is no joke!

Anonymous said...

had these in backyard as a kid, just would pull them up by had, never had an issue. (didn't know they were dangerous)

Anonymous said...

Genetically modified!!!! Or it is that movie with Matt Damon in it where the grass and plants and trees go rouge and produce a neurotoxin that makes people die... I am going with Genetically modified...

Anonymous said...

I've seen these plants. They look like Queen Anne's lace to me. Are they the same? When doing any yard work, I always wear long sleeved shirts and old blue jeans. With Ticks and other bugs as well as sunburn, it best to cover yourself as much as possible no matter how hot it is. I usually wait until after 5 pm when its not so hot.

Anonymous said...

Queen Ann's lace.

Anonymous said...

That looks a lot like Queen Anne's lace.

mr bob

Anonymous said...

"... like Queen Anne's lace to me. Are they the same?..."

NOT Queen Anne's lace!!! The flowers are similar but that's about all. Queen Anne's lace tops out at about 3 to 4 feet tall while Giant Hogweed can go 10 feet or more. The stalks on hogweed are much thicker and more robust. Stay away from this thing, it can hurt you!

Anonymous said...

That's why I carry. You just never know.

Anonymous said...

I hope Hillary falls into a big pile of these on her walks!

Anonymous said...

I thought they looked like Queen Anne's lace also. If you look at the pictures though the plant is much much bigger.

Anonymous said...

We have Queen Anne’s lace everywhere here. Do not confuse it with this deadly toxic plant.

Anonymous said...

I can think of a few OC council members who could use a few of these nice pretty plants!

Anonymous said...

So instead of building a wall just plant these 20 yards deep along the southern border. That should take care of any illegal immigrants.

Anonymous said...

I hate to tell you all, but we have some of these plants right here on Delmarva. And I'm not taking about the Queen Ann's lace. The plant looks like Queen Anne's lace, but it is HUGE! I've seen it near, with my own two eyes.

Anonymous said...

@2:09 pm. So tell us where they are. Why would you say they are here and not say where?????

Anonymous said...

secret

Anonymous said...

If you know where they are, DNR wants you to call.