As the weather brightens up and the summer holidays approach, it's lovely to get out and walk through Wales' beautiful countryside. However, it's worth being aware of the plants that - while pretty to see in the outdoors - won't leave your skin looking so nice if you come into contact with it.
One plant in particular - giant hogweed - can leave someone unfortunate enough to touch it with burns that could scar. The plant was introduced to the UK from southern Russia and Georgia in the 19th century and is considered "highly toxic". The invasive plant, most commonly found near water or on waste grounds, can grow up to three metres tall with withe flowers reaching around 60cm wise.
The plant closely resembles cow parsley, however, it's the sap that will cause the damage. Chemicals in this sap can trigger photodermatitis or photosensitivity, which is what makes it so dangerous. This causes the skin to become extremely sensitive to sunlight, causing blistering, pigmentation, and long-lasting scars.
How do I know if I've come into contact and what should I do?
If you come into contact with giant hogweed sap, your skin is prevented from protecting itself against sunlight. Initial reactions can occur within 15 minutes of contact with the photosensitivity peaking around two hours later. Symptoms however can last for up to a week with blistering recurring months or years after initial contact.
If you do come into contact with the plant, you should wash the area with soap and cold water immediately. You should also avoid sunlight for the next 48 hours. Contaminated clothes or tools can also become hazardous.
Where has it been found in Wales?
Plant Tracker has produced a live interactive map to track the spread of the plant. Clusters have been recorded along the border of north wales and in a few areas in south and west Wales. Here is a list of places:
- Hawen, near the Afon Ceri
- Morvil, near the Afon Anghof
- Pembrey, in Pembrey Country Park
Efail Isaf, residential area near Parc Nant Celyn
Grangetown, near Grangemoor park
Duffryn, near the Ebbw river by Newport Saracens RFC
Cwmbran, near Lucas Girling Sports Ground
Blaina, residential area near Gwent Terrace
Abergavenny, near the River Usk
Brecon, near High Street
Brecon, residential area near Maes Maendu and Heol Y Ffynnon
Stanage, near Reeves Lane
Aberbechan and Abermule, along the River Severn
Berriew, near the River Rhiw
Forden and Trehelig, along the River Severn
Bretton, near Bretton Road
Saltney, several cases along the River Dee
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