Off Topic: Giant Hogweed

It's really bad stuff, I've seen it here in the NW, the phototoxin (poisonous sap that is activated by sunlight) caused a horrific blister/wound on a friend's hand.
 
Up here in Alaska we have Cow Parsnip, which is the close cousin of Hog Weed, and it is covering central and south Alaska like a plague. They look the same and have the same aspects, including the phototoxcicity. but Hog Weed gets much taller. The Cow Parsnip seems to be spreading into places it has never been before and is choking out native flowers and plants.

Native people actually have some uses for it, but in general it is viewed as a weed to be killed. According to Wikipedia it even ruins the milk of cows that eat it.

We have it on our property in Homer and I have seen how much it is taking over year to year.

Nasty stuff

Michael
 
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I'll certainly be keeping an eye out during my outdoor adventures.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top