A plant dubbed "Britain's most dangerous" is growing in Merseyside, with experts urging people to stay away from it.
Giant hogweed is said to be spreading - and it can cause serious health problems. Experts at WhatShed have an interactive map that shows where the plant is growing.
The map shows a number of giant hogweed hotspots across Merseyside. According to the map, the plant is growing in parts of Woolton, Formby, Southport, and Leasowe.
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Formally known as Heracleum mantegazzianum, giant hogweed is part of the Apiaceae family, one which includes plants such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander. However, unlike those household favourites, giant hogweed is an invasive plant that grows and grows, according to Yorkshire Live.
Originally introduced to the UK in the 19th century from the Eurasia region, giant hogweed is similar in appearance to cow parsley, but supersized. According to WhatShed say it can grow up to 20 feet tall, while each giant hogweed plant can spread out to cover a range of around two metres too, making it highly invasive.
The sap is one of the most notable parts of the plant, with its thick green stem having patches of purple and white hairs on it. With thick green leaves that can grow to five feet in width, giant hogweeds really live up to their name.
People need to be aware of the plant’s hairy sap as this is where the danger lies. Containing furocoumarins - organic toxic chemical compounds - they can cause major irritation to people’s skin as the toxins seep deep into the cells of a person.
Due to the bristling nature of the sap and its hairs, it's easy for people to brush up against giant hogweed without realising. If they do, the sap’s toxins could make themselves known in a major way, causing both burns and scars to people’s skin.
In the short-term, someone who comes up against giant hogweed may suffer from the likes of blisters and rashes as well as painful inflamed areas. However, the long-term consequences are more dramatic with people facing potential disfiguration or long-lasting purple blotches on their skin.
The sap is especially dangerous if it comes into contact with a person's eyes, as it can cause permanent blindness. Many people who come into contact with giant hogweed require hospitalisation - and dogs are said to experience similar side effects to humans.
What should I do if I come across giant hogweed?
The first rule for anyone who finds giant hogweed is to keep their distance as only the slightest touch can cause painful burns and blisters.
However, if someone has come into contact with it, young, old or pet, they should wash the affected area as quickly as possible and seek medical advice. Experts also advise trying to get indoors and away from direct sunlight as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of burning.
Although there is no statutory obligation for landowners to eliminate giant hogweed, local authorities will often take action to remove infestations in public areas. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) lists it on Schedule 9, Section 14 meaning it is an offence to cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild in England and Wales (similar legislation applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland).
Also it can be the subject of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders where occupiers of giant hogweed infested ground can be required to remove the weed or face penalties. Local Authorities have powers under certain circumstances to require giant hogweed to be removed.
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