Mass. officials asking for help in curbing spread of 'Giant Hogweed'

STOUGHTON, Mass. - A dangerous plant is spreading across Massachusetts, and state officials are asking the public to help stop it.

The invasive plant is called "Giant Hogweed" and it can cause burns and blisters just by touching it. If the sap comes into contact with an eye it can cause blindness.

Stoughton is just one of the 14 cities and towns across the state where Giant Hogweed is growing.

Giant Hogweed resembles the harmless Queen's Ann Lace. The dangerous plant has large umbrellas of white flowers with a purple-splotched and fuzzy stem.

The plant has become such a public health hazard that the State has issued a "wanted" poster to warn residents.

MORE: Dangerous plant that causes blindness, 3rd degree burns found in multiple states, officials say

"Not only does it burn you and give you blisters within 15 or 20 minutes, it also leaves that skin susceptible to burning from the sun- it kinds of increases your vulnerability to sunburn," said Michael Piantedosi of the New England Wildflower Society.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, 14 cities and towns including Stoughton, Acton and Dover have Giant Hogweed and are fighting to get rid of it.

"Oh my gosh! I would probably take a picture of it and think it's pretty and not think it's dangerous," said Courtney Pupkin, a hiker. "I think it sounds scary! I had no idea until you just told me about it so I think it's definitely good to bring awareness to it."

Experts say that if you happen to come into contact with it, wash with soap and water immediately. There are other several "look alike" plants, which are safe to touch.

"Really the size is going to give it a way - no matter where you are," said Piantedosi. "The leaves themselves can be a foot to two feet wide."

This time of the year, giant hogweeds are several feet tall, but can grow as high as 15 feet. They can typically be found along beaches, lakes and roads, right where people like to go.

If you think you've spotted Giant Hogweed, experts warn not to touch it and to either call your local officials or the state.

Giant hogweed was first discovered in Massachusetts in 2002, but only recently has it been spreading like wildfire.

Below is a list of all confirmed populations of giant hogweed in cities and towns across Massachusetts:

Acton - Control efforts in progress
Andover - Eradicated
Blandford - Two sites, control efforts in progress
Boston - Eradicated
Brimfield - Control efforts in progress
Dover - Control efforts in progress
Gill - Eradicated
Granville - Multiple sites, control efforts in progress
Groton - Eradicated
Hinsdale - Multiple sites, control efforts in progress
Lee - Control efforts in progress
Martha's Vineyard - Control efforts in progress
New Marlborough - Control efforts in progress
North Brookfield - Eradicated
Northampton - Eradicated
Peru - Control efforts in progress
Sandwich - Eradicated
Southwick -  Control efforts in progress
Stoughton - Control efforts in progress
Sutton - Control efforts in progress
Wakefield - Eradicated
Westfield - Eradicated
West Springfield - Control efforts in progress

For more information on giant hogweed, you can visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources here.

Cox Media Group