VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - We've all been told to watch for poison oak and other plants that lurk in our local forests. But if you're planning on taking a hike this weekend, watch out for the Giant Hogweed!
Gail Wallin with the Invasive Plant Council of B.C. says the plant that can grow to be up to five-metres high has popped up all across the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver area and can cause some serious physical damage. "It's got sap inside and when it reacts to the sun, it can cause blistering, skin damage, and temporary blindness."
Typically children end up injured after coming into contact with the highly toxic sap. "Because it has a hollow stem and is quite rigid, it can make for a great sword or shooter. All of those will end up with sap on children's skin or face and that's why we don't want to take any risk. People shouldn't be handling that sap on bare skin."
Wallin says anyone who touches the plant must immediately wash their skin with cold water and soap, and keep away from the sun.
For instructions on how to identify Giant Hogweed in your backyard, click here.