DEC Warns New Yorkers: Don’t Touch This Dangerous Plant

If you're spending time outside in New York this summer, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has one important reminder: if you spot Giant Hogweed, admire it from a distance and don't touch it.

Every summer, the DEC issues its annual warning about the invasive plant because a simple brush against it can lead to painful burns, blistering, and even permanent scarring.

Giant Hogweed Warning in New York

Giant Hogweed Growing All Over New York

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) has been found in communities across New York for years, and while it's not growing on every corner, it can pop up in places where people least expect it. According to the DEC, the plant grows along streams and rivers, in fields, forests, roadsides, and even residential yards. It thrives anywhere there's plenty of sunlight and moist soil.

The plant is hard to miss once you know what you're looking for. Giant Hogweed can grow as tall as 14 feet, features a thick hollow stem with dark reddish-purple blotches, leaves that can reach five feet across, and huge clusters of white flowers measuring up to 2½ feet in diameter.

Giant Hogweed

Extremely Dangerous Plant

The real danger comes from the plant's sap. If the sap gets on your skin and is then exposed to sunlight, it can cause severe burns, painful blisters, and in some cases permanent scarring. Even brushing against or breaking the plant can release the sap.

Giant Hogweed Burns

If you accidentally come into contact with Giant Hogweed, the DEC says you should immediately wash the affected area with soap and warm water and keep it out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours.

What to Do If You Have Giant Hogweed

If you have Giant Hogweed growing on your property, the DEC recommends never handling it with bare hands. Anyone removing the plant should wear waterproof gloves, long sleeves, boots, eye protection, and wash thoroughly afterward.

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The DEC also offers a Giant Hogweed Control Guide with step-by-step information on safely managing the invasive plant, along with additional safety resources. If you think you've found Giant Hogweed, officials ask that you report it through the NY iMapInvasives Network so experts can verify the sighting and help track its spread across the state.

If you have questions about identifying or controlling Giant Hogweed, you can also contact the DEC's Invasive Plant Information Line at 845-256-3111 or email isinfo@dec.ny.gov for assistance.