Giant Hogweed

[Ron Scott]

Giant, Poisonous Weed Spreading across Canada

CTV (July 14) – Giant hogweed, which can grow to 5.5 metres (20 feet), has been spotted from Vancouver Island (where it's been a problem for years) to river banks in Toronto and Ottawa. Although the plant can be impressive to behold, it can pose a threat to anyone who touches it without protective clothing. Small, blister-like pistules on the plant contain a toxic sap that can burn the skin once exposed to sunlight. If the toxin enters the eye, it can burn the cornea, causing temporary or even permanent blindness.

http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/SciTech/20100711/hogweed-100711/

[Jamie_C]

It is having a population explosion in the Halifax, NS area as well. It made the local news here a couple of days ago. I believe that there are parts of NB under siege from this plant as well.