Giant problem (From Runcorn and Widnes World)
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Giant hogweed
10:27am Thursday 18th August 2011 in Your Letters
THE giant weeds described by cyclist Beryl McWhan in the World, August 3, are familiarly known as giant hogweed – introduced into Britain from the Caucuses in the early 19th century as waterside ornamentals.
They became rampant about 40 years ago and notorious for their touch leading to reddening and blistering of the skin. They crop up in very unusual places, for example the central reservation of the Daresbury Expressway last year – but they were quickly removed!
Rob Duffy Runcorn
jonsays says...
6:49pm Fri 26 Aug 11
I took it from the bag and handles it.
I spent the next month off work with giant blisters to my hands and feet-just by getting some of the sap on my fingers.
Be warned-they are very nasty plants!