Giant Hogweed
Heracleum maximum · Apiaceae
How it looks
Giant Hogweed is a plant that grows very large, 10–16 ft (3–5 m) tall, with purple blotches and coarse hairs on its stem. The leaves are very large and deeply lobed (3–5 ft / 1–1.5 m wide), and the flowers are small and white, spread out in an umbrella-shaped cluster (over 20 in / 50 cm across).
Dangerous — phototoxic burns
The sap of Giant Hogweed contains furocoumarins, which cause severe blistering and burns when skin contact is followed by sunlight. Contact with the eyes can even carry a risk of blindness.
Guide for parents
Giant Hogweed is a large member of the carrot family that has been found growing as an introduced species in some areas. If its sap gets on skin and is then exposed to sunlight, it causes burns. Cats face the same risk if the sap reaches the skin through their fur. If you suspect sap exposure, wash it off with soap right away, keep your cat out of sunlight for 24 hours, and consult a vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 2–6 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Severe photosensitization, blistering, blindness
- Action
- Go to an animal hospital immediately. Don't wait, even if symptoms seem mild.
Details
- Scientific name
- Heracleum maximum
- Common name
- Giant Hogweed
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (sap)
- Compounds
- Furocoumarins (phototoxic)
- Source
- ASPCA
