The dangers of giant hogweed explained
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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) -- Giant hogweed, a plant that can be dangerous to humans, has been spotted in Erie County.
The plant has been confirmed at Seneca Bluffs, Como Lake Park, 18 Mile Creek Park and Hunter's Creek Park, an Erie County supervising park ranger says.
Residents are advised to avoid the plant as it contains sap that can cause severe burns. Sap on the skin combines with sun exposure and moisture to potentially cause a severe burn in as little as 24 hours, according to the New York State Department of Conservation.
Along with breaking the stem, brushing up against the plant poses a risk.
Below are some examples of what the skin can look like after being exposed to giant hogweed.
Here is what the plant looks like so you know to watch out for it:
Erie County Parks Supervising Park Ranger Chuck Bartlett shared what to do if you come in contact with the plant.
"I say wash with soap and water as soon as absolutely possible," said Bartlett. "Monitor yourself, avoid, you know, if you get any, come in contact in your arm, avoid sunlight and reach out to your doctor for further advice."
We also spoke with Daniel Waldhorn, NYS DEC terrestrial invasive plant information line coordinator, who shared more characteristics of the plant.
"You know, one of the real characteristics of giant hogweed -- it has a very thick stem with coarse white hairs and dark purple blotches," said Waldhorn. "And in addition to that big white flower. So, you know, I would just really take a look at the photos, learn to identify it, and just keep an eye out for that. You know, there are a lot of lookalikes out there and some of those are also poisonous."
Waldhorn also said don't hesitate to reach out to the DEC if you have questions.
Cow parsnip and angelica are among the giant hogweed look-alikes.
The Village of Lancaster, Erie County Department of Health and Erie County Parks, Recreation & Forestry all recently put out alerts about giant hogweed.
For more information from NYS DEC on the plant, click here.
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Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.