Hogweeds (various species of the genus Heracleum) are noxious plants that can cause a variety of serious reactions following contact. Unfortunately they may be mistaken for the wild carrot by the unwary.
The giant hogweeds include Heracleum mantegazzianum and Heracleum sosnowskyi.
The primary hazard is a photodermatitis associated with furanocoumarins. The chemicals are present on fine hairs on the leaves and stems which can penetrate the skin. Following exposure to sunlight the patient develops a photodermatitis that may range from erythema to third degree burns with skin necrosis.
Persons at risk:
(1) hikers
(2) forestry workers
(3) small children
(4) farmers
Other hazards:
(1) ocular burn with potential for blindness if plant material gets into the eye
(2) diarrhea and gastrointestinal toxicty followng ingeston
(3) rarely a photoallergic contact dermatitis
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