Parents warned over toxic plant that causes severe burns and blisters after it’s spotted in Greater Manchester

As the summer months approach, parents across the region are being warned of the blister-inducing Hogweed plant.

The seemingly harmless plant, which can be found in public parks and green areas, is the most prevalent at this time of the year, and can pose a serious risk to unsuspecting children playing nearby.

Though it looks completely harmless with its long stems bearing large umbrellas of white flowers, the plant harbours a toxin-bearing sap that causes horrendous blistering burns, even from gentle contact.

@phamap / Unsplash

The effect of the sap is often not immediate, with blistering usually occurring within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after exposure.

The burns can last for several months and can leave the skin overly sensitive to UV light for many years. If near the eyes, it can even cause blindness.

Facebook community page, Bolton NEWT, recently revealed that Hogsweed had been found in Leverhulme Park, along the rivers Tonge and Croal and at Moses Gate Country Park, just a couple of years after a group of Bolton school children were left with severe burns from the plant.

A spokesman for Bolton NEWT said: “We strongly suggest taking a few minutes with your kids to show them these pictures, so that they can safely identify giant hogweed and not panic when you find native hogweed or cow parsley.”

Mini First Aid High Peak and Tameside issued a similar warning about the plant, saying: “Now is the season for ‘Britain’s most dangerous plant’ and with the lovely weather forecast in a couple of weeks time, this stuff will thrive and spread.”

In a Facebook post, they advised: “All parents, please warn your children not to touch the plant as the leaves, stems, roots, flowers and seeds all contain this terrible poisonous toxin.

“Any parts of the body that come into contact with the sap of a giant hogweed should be immediately washed with soap and cold water and seek medical advice. Further exposure to sunlight should be avoided for at least forty-eight hours.”