Trade body urges caution over giant hogweed in South London

A national trade body has issued a warning to parents in South London to be vigilant to the dangers of the invasive plant giant hogweed, as the summer holiday season starts.

The plant’s sap is extremely toxic to the skin in sunlight, making it a danger to public health, and cases are often reported in the summer holidays when children encounter it.

Coming into contact with any part of the invasive, non-native weed, followed by exposure to sunlight, can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin.

Dr Peter Fitzsimons, technical manager of Property Care Association, said: “Each year we hear of people who are injured by giant hogweed, and quite often it is children who encounter it while out playing in the summer holidays.

“Our advice is to stay away from this plant and not allow its toxic sap to come into contact with skin in the sunlight.

“The sap can also be transferred via touch, so it can possibly affect somebody else through clothing and footwear.

“Symptoms include a rash, itching and blisters where skin comes into contact with it. In some cases, the blistering can be so severe that urgent medical attention is required.

“Where exposure has occurred to the skin, we recommend washing the affected area, covering it up and seeking medical advice immediately.”

The doctor said giant hogweed likes water courses so its distribution tends to be along rivers.

Giant hogweed has a 5-8cm diameter stem and a large, white umbrella-shaped flowering head, and is able of reach a height of 5m.

Its leaves, which are sharply serrated or divided, can reach up to 2m in width, while the stem is usually covered in bristles and has blotchy purple markings.

The plant can be confused with UK’s native hogweed, but this plant is much smaller in size and its leaves have a smoother outline.

Pictured top: Giant Hogweed (Picture: Property Care Association)