Giant hogweed spotted in New Brunswick

Giant hogweed, a poisonous plant causing concern in Nova Scotia and Ontario, has also turned up in New Brunswick. 

The wild plant has the potential to cause blisters and even blindness.

Marian Munro, a botanist at the Nova Scotia Museum, said the plant can also cause what is known as phyto-photosensitivity.

"Aside from the irritant qualities of the sap within the plant, apparently for up to six years after contact, it can affect your skin every time you're in the sun."

The plant was sighted in Cape Breton 30 years ago but has now moved into the central part of the province.

Chemicals in the sap of the plant can cause rashes and blisters on the skin when exposed to sunlight, experts say. If the sap gets into the eyes, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

George Scott, a nursery owner in Lincoln, N.B., near Fredericton, said giant hogweed could be tough to eliminate.

"I think probably I would go about weed-eating it down with a machine to get it cleared and then use a form of herbicide, whether it be horticultural vinegar," Scott said. "I think it'll take more than one application. You're not likely to eliminate it in one shot."

Weed specialists say people who find giant hogweed on their properties should wear protective clothing, rubber gloves and goggles when trying to remove it.

All parts of the plant contain toxic chemicals.

In Nova Scotia, the Halifax Regional Municipality has been concerned enough about the plant to release advice to residents about what they should do if they find the invasive species.

Halifax's environment management office also plans to draw up a proposal to deal with giant hogweed and other invasive species and present the proposal to regional council this fall.

So far, there have been no reports of giant hogweed on P.E.I.