A Scots dad has been left unable to walk after Giant Hogweed gave him third degree burns.
Paul McGeachin brushed against a growth of the weed, known as Britain's most dangerous plant, on a bridge in the south side of Glasgow on Tuesday, March 30.
The 40-year-old chef was forced to call in sick and ended up in A&E after the pain across his legs became so severe he was unable to stand.
Painful puss-filled blisters from the burns left the dad in agony less than 24 hours later.
Giant Hogweed is a toxic, invasive species in the UK which most commonly grows in areas near water.
It looks like enormous cow parsley and can often be mistaken for common hogweed which is not poisonous.
The phytotoxic sap from the plant can cause serious burns to the skin when exposed to sunlight.
Paul encountered the plant on March 30 while walking across a bridge near to Priesthill Road in Pollock.
He told the Daily Record: “It’s really dodgy. I was out and about going magnet fishing and was wearing three-quarter-length trousers.
“I didn’t know anything about it. I was none the wiser until the next day when I first felt irritation on my skin.
“At first I thought I could just use a dot leaf but it got worse.
Paul said the pain became so intense he called NHS 24 who told him to head to A&E at at Victoria Hospital on Wednesday, March 31.
He was given a course of antibiotics and told to stay off his feet.
However medics warned him the painful blisters could take months to clear up, and may even leave him scarred for life.
Those who come into contact with giant hogweed often suffer long term sunlight sensitivity.
Paul said: “I have to just take it easy. I’m a chef so would normally be on my feet all day which I can’t do.
“I’m just hoping it eases sooner rather than later.”
Keen magnet-fisher Paul says he regularly takes his daughter on walks around the area, and warned families of the dangers of Giant Hogweed.
He added: “My daughter Jessica is 3, and is always picking up flowers.
“Giant Hogweed looks like wild garlic but with a much bigger flower.
“I just thank god she didn’t see it.”
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: “Giant Hogweed is an invasive species that can cause harm to skin if touched.
“We always advise that use of an appropriate herbicide is the way to deal with this weed with landowners effectively responsible for taking any action.
“We will investigate this sighting of giant hogweed and will take appropriate action if the weed is found to be on land maintained by the council.”
More safety information about giant hogweed and how to spot it can be found from the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative or locally from the Glasgow City Council website.
