Hogweed is a member of the umbelifer family. This family contains some of the most poisonous and deadly species found in Britain, so always take special care when collecting or using any of them. Hogweed is also very similar to Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum. This huge plant (up to 6m) has a photosensitive juice which will cause burning to the skin and mouth if exposed to light. This can cause life-long changes to skin colour and may leave you with permanent sensitivity to sunlight. In fact, many members of this genus contain mutagenic, carcinogenic and phototoxic properties.
Hogweed Heracleum sphondylium
This sturdy plant, also known as cow parsnip was originally used as pigs fodder hence the name hogweed. It can be found in most hedgerows, and most readers will be very familiar with it, even if you don’t know it by name! The flowers form large umbrella shapes and attract lots of flies, mainly due to the nasty scent it produces.
LEAVES – the young leaves may be eaten raw or cooked.
SHOOTS – As above – plus a sugary substance can be extracted from them and used a sugar substitute.
ROOT – the root may also be eaten and is best boiled. Always take care when using the root of any species. Each year in the Europe several people poison themselves (often fatally) from eating the roots of wrong species. See cautions above.
Scott on 28/04/11
I was striming an never noticed that I had chopped down hogweed. The next day my arms were starting blister an now I have reedy brown scars on my arms.
debbie on 02/10/10
my brother has just been affected by this plant and ended up in hospital - it appears if you suffer from asthma and hayfever it makes it even worse.
his arms are all blistered and now bandaged up and cant go out in the light - not very good for a landscape gardener.
MARK PORRITT on 09/07/10
whenever strimming always be aware of coming into contact with hogweed and if possible do not strim them at all as the sap,if contacted with the skin,will burn you.Aways wear clothing that will protect arms,legs and wear a visor that covers the whole of your face.I personally have experienced the blistering of skin due to not being properly dressed and will never make that painful mistake again.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Although some people have a recation to hogweed, it was most likely caused by Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum as this plant contans photo-toxins which cause blistering.
Liz Whitmore-Stewart on 26/06/09
It doesn't seem to matter how very careful I am being, I still manage to get Giant Hogweed burns when my strimmer just looks at a garden containing it! Itchy spots appear after a couple of days after exposure, then they blister and look quite unsightly. Sun block does help to quell the irritation if you are outside in the sunshine (I am a gardener, so have to be out). Aloe Vera is said to help, has anyone else tried it successfully?
Clara on 11/06/09
I was strimming tall grass and stupidly was not wearing protective clothing. Not realising untill after, I strimmed giant hogweed and the sap of the plant landed on my arms, neck and leg. I did not notice untill a couple of days later when red marks began to appear. this was folowed by blistering, scabbing and now discolouration and some scarring.It has been a few weeks now, but slowely it seems to be healing. I would resommend to anyone who gets burnt to go straight to a doctor who can give you some specific steriod-based creams that will speed up the healing and reduce the risk of scarring. Unfortunately, I did not realise it was hog weed until two weeks ago so it's too late for me. But im using alovera and vitamin E cream which hopefully wil reduce the scarring. hope this is helpfull.
Kris on 30/05/09
Hi Julie. Hogweed can cause skin irritation but rarely leaves any lasting marks. Giant hogweed on the other hand is a bit nastier, and will cause blistering to the skin due to photo toxins which are set off by sun light. In bad cases giant hogweed can leave scaring. However, I’m sure you would remember giant hogweed as it’s huge. For obvious reasons I can't say either way, but I would suggest having a doctor check it out as there is most likely a treatment they could offer. I hope it eases for you soon.
julie walton on 30/05/09
I have this really distinctive rash or marks on the in side of my arm, bot have no recollection of knocking my self. It was my mother who mention being any where hog weed. first the marks were really red almost like a burn , then blistering a few days later. if this has been caused by this plant, will the marks scare? does anyone know, if so let me know.Cheers
t cooper on 07/06/11
im a landscaper and i currently have the blisters on my arms and neck due to hogweed. i recomend to anyone to wear protective clothing. The blisters apperared after i had been sat out in the sun and the sap off the hogweed got to work. i went to the doctors about mine and i was put on anti biotics and anti inflamitaries.