GIANT HOGWEED AND PHOTODERMATITIS

Abstract

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a member of the parsley or carrot family (Apiaceae). As its name indicates it is characterized by its size and may grow up to 4 meters in height. Giant hogweed is native to the Caucasus mountains and southwestern Asia and has been introduced to Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States as a garden curiosity. Because of its tenacious and invasive nature it soon becomes a pest within the ornamental garden and readily escapes. It has naturalized in many of the places where it was first introduced. All parts of the plant are poisonous and giant hogweed is toxic to livestock and humans. The danger of this contact-poisonous plant lies in the presence of phototoxic furocoumarins (psoralens). These substances cause disagreeable dermatitis with poorly healed blisters. Giant hogweed is dangerous for children and mainly if its juice penentrates the eyes.