Paul Makoski, environmental health director of Calhoun County, told the local news station that Giant Hogweed, which can grow up to 18 feet tall and is usually found mixed with other plants, isn’t deadly but can cause discomfort. As further safety precaution, the former site of the plant will be monitored county officials for the next several years.
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One of nature’s nastiest creations – the giant hogweed plant – is popping up across the country this summer and it’s wreaking a lot of havoc.
Well being officers in Calhoun County, Michigan, are advising warning after the damaging plant was noticed within the county.
Within 48 hours, people who have been exposed to hogweed can develop burns, blisters, and – if it comes into contact with eyes – even permanent blindness.
Despite being found in the Michigan wilderness, giant hogweed – scientifically known as Heracleum mantegazzianum – is not a native plant.
Giant Hogweed can be identified by the dark red or purple spots and bristles on the green stem, the white flower heads that produce thousands of seeds, and the green leaves located at the base that grow to 5 feet in diameter.
The plant “can be hard for the outdoor enthusiast to identify”, the Michigan State University Extension website says, but “with very limited distribution in Michigan, a vigorous tramp through the woods or wetlands is not likely to expose anyone to hogweed”.
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Health officials said to wash any skin that contacts the plant in soapy water and to immediately flush affected eyes with water. You’ll also want to seek out medical attention right away.
