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Beware of Giant Hogweed

A warning to to keep away from the weed heracleum mantegazzianum, also known as giant hogweed, as its sap can often lead to burns and possibly blindness if it gets into the eyes.The weed, which is found near canals and rivers, can grow up to 3m (10ft) tall.If you spot a giant hogweed, try not to touch it. It is important you cover your skin up, even if it’s warm and sunny. If you come into contact with it and start to feel that your skin’s tingling or burning, wash any sap away and seek medical assistance immediately.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/problem-solving/the-dangers-of-giant-hogweed-and-how-to-tackle-it/

Les Wilson ● 1178d4 Comments

Many of the weeds left to grow are not safe for animals either, we weed our area.

Janice Evans ● 1178d

Thanks for the warning. There's quite a lot of it near the river and I thought it was harmless until I looked for it online after seeing your post.

Nora Watkins ● 1178d

A chap was quite badly burned on his ankles in Boston Manor Park only last week  It is just a gentle tingle until the sun hit the affected area and then all hell lets loose with deep blisters sometimes requiring grafts if jot treated correctly.

N V Brooks ● 1178d

Or as Genesis said in 1971 - "Turn and run!Nothing can stop themAround every river and canal their power is growingStamp them out!We must destroy themThey infiltrate each city with their thick dark warning odourThey are invincibleThey seem immune to all our herbicidal batteringLong ago in the Russian hillsA Victorian explorer foundThe regal Hogweed by a marshHe captured it and brought it homeBotanical creature stirs! Seeking revengeRoyal beast did not forgetHe came home to LondonAnd made a present of the HogweedTo the Royal Gardens at KewWaste no time!That they are approachingHurry now, we must protect ourselves and find some shelterStrike by night!They are defencelessThey all need the sun to photosensitize their venomStill they're invincibleStill they're immune to all our herbicidal batteringFashionable country gentlemenHad some cultivated wild gardensIn which they innocently plantedThe Giant Hogweed throughout the landBotanical creature stirs! Seeking revengeRoyal beast did not forgetSoon they escaped, spreading their seedPreparing for an onslaughtThreatening the human raceMighty Hogweed is avenged!Human bodies soon will know our angerKill them with your Hogweed hairs!Heracleum Mantegazziani"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSkgwCpuZwk

Richard Greenhough ● 1178d