Beware of this dangerous plant. “It poses a threat even without touching it”

Sosnowsky’s hogweed produces essential oils that can be carried by the wind, which is why this plant “even without touching it can pose a threat” to health – explains GIS.

It is easy to recognize. It reaches impressive dimensions

Heracleum sosnowskyi can grow anywhere, throughout the country. It can usually be found in meadows, pastures or on river banks, as well as the edges of forests, fields or on ditch slopes, experts explain. Hogweed is easiest to recognize from photos, although a detailed description of its structure can also be useful.

It looks a bit like dill, it has white flowers, they are clustered in one place. There are purple spots on its stems. The plant can reach a height of three to five meters, and a width of up to two meters. The stem can reach a diameter of up to 12 centimeters.

The plant can cause extensive burns, vomiting and even anaphylactic shock.

The most dangerous part of the plant is its juices and oils. They contain substances that, when they get on the skin, can cause a burn. This is how futocoumarins react to sunlight (a so-called phototoxic reaction occurs). The situation can then become very serious – redness, rash, ulceration and swelling can appear. Usually, the first symptoms will be visible after a few to a dozen or so hours from touching the plant.

But that’s not all, because hogweed can also cause many other unpleasant symptoms, such as nervous system injuries, vomiting or anaphylactic shock. GIS reports that toxic substances can also cause skin cancer.

So what to do? It is best to be as vigilant as possible when hiking in meadows or forests, as well as in many other places, and try to recognize the plant from a distance – first familiarizing yourself thoroughly with its appearance and description. When you spot it, it is best to leave the area as quickly as possible so that the oils secreted by the plant cannot land on your skin (even if carried in the air). If you do find yourself near the plant, it is best to have a cream with a UV filter (ultraviolet) applied to your skin, as well as synthetic clothing that will cover the entire body, but at the same time is constructed in such a way that the oil cannot soak into the fabric.

What to do if the plant comes into contact with skin?

If you come into contact with Sosnowsky’s hogweed, don’t panic. Wash your skin with soap and water – do the same with other items and wash your clothes. You can apply corticosteroid ointment to skin blisters (if they haven’t burst). If the substance gets into your eyes, wash them too and, ideally, ask an ophthalmologist for help. Do not look at the sun under any circumstances. In the event of, for example, anaphylactic shock or a very serious burn, do not delay and call an ambulance or visit a hospital.

The most important thing is to avoid the sun for at least two days after contact with the plant. If you are outdoors, cover yourself with clothing, a towel or other material and go to a place where the sun does not reach.

On the website mapa.barszcz.edu.pl you will also find useful, up-to-date information about the occurrence of the plant in Poland.