Giant hogweed confirmed on P.E.I.

A noxious plant causing grief in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick has been confirmed on P.E.I.

A small population of Giant hogweed, a plant native to central Asia, was found in the Cardigan area in eastern P.E.I.

The plant has also been seen including at the home of Conservative MLA Mike Currie. Currie said the invasive species was found around a pond in his backyard and has been there for the last 15 to 20 years.

He said he has been cutting it down with garden tools and disposing of it, handling it with his bare hands without any negative health effects.

Giant hogweed is believed to have been spread to North America by gardeners. It is an impressive plant, growing up to two metres in height. The problem is the plant's sap. When it gets on the skin it can cause burns and blisters when exposed to sunlight. There have been reports of blindness caused by sap getting in the eyes.

As in the other Maritime provinces, the plants were found near gardens and it is not believed to have spread into the wild. Hogweed has become an invasive species in southern Ontario and British Columbia.

Media reports of the plant in the Maritimes have led to numerous reports on the Island, said Kate MacQuarrie, director of forests, fish and wildlife for the province, but these are the first confirmed cases. MacQuarrie said this finding is not a cause for serious concern, but Islanders should remain watchful.

"The key is to be able to identify and avoid them. Don't let them keep you from enjoying the outdoors," she said.

Giant hogweed is very similar to the common native plant cow parsnip. One main difference is that giant hogweed has raised red or purple spots on the stem, with stiff white bristles.

Cow Parsnip stems do not have stiff bristles. Its stem can have a bit of purple but is mostly green with no raised spots.