An invasive plant known as giant hogweed is making its way through New York.

“Giant hogweed is a very large, flowering plant in the carrot family, and it grows about 10 to 14 feet tall with a large white flower that is umbrella shaped,” said Daniel Waldhorn, giant hogweed information line coordinator for the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

The invasive plant is being found in areas across New York, spreading through seeds, which typically fall near the parent plant.

“The real danger is when they are growing along the roadside or along the stream, because in both those situations, either a mower along the roadside can pick up seeds in the equipment and carry it along the roadside and to other locations,” Waldhorn said.

Waldhorn said the plant can be harmful, as a chemical within its sap can cause an extreme skin reaction.

“When UV light touches that chemical, it basically heats up your cell and causes pretty nasty cell damage, and so it causes blistering and just a nasty rash that could last for a month or so,” said Waldhorn.

DEC is working to eradicate giant hogweed and educate the public to prevent it from spreading.

“For large sites, we tend to use herbicide. We spray an herbicide on the leaves, and that will kill the plants,” Waldhorn said. “And for smaller sites, we usually use a root-cut method, where you take a shovel and put it at the base of the plant and just sever the taproot at about a 45-degree angle.”

DEC runs an information line for the public to report potential Giant Hogweed sites so they can respond properly.

“Members of the public are our eyes out there to identify new infestations or previously unknown infestations, and so we can add them to our program and take care of them,” said Waldhorn.

If you think you’ve seen Giant Hogweed, Waldhorn said you can call DEC’s information line at 845-256-3111, text photos to 518-320-0309, or email pictures to ghogweed@dec.ny.gov.

Giant hogweed seeds typically germinate in the spring, but take several years to grow into the full flower. Wild parsnip can also cause burns, but DEC has determined they are too widespread to eradicate at this point.