NORWICH – Hikers and homeowners are being cautioned this year of the dangers of an invasive plant species making its way through the county. The culprit – Giant hogweed – is a federally listed noxious weed. Its oily sap when combined with moisture and sunlight can cause severe skin and eye irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and blindness.

“We're getting to the point in the season when our department is just starting to get phone calls about locations of the plant. It's in Chenango County,” said Isiah Sutton, Chenango County Director of Public Health.

Giant hogweed grows along streams and rivers and in fields, forests, yards and roadsides. It prefers open sites with abundant light and moist soil but it can grow in partially shaded habitats.

Contact between the skin and the sap of this plant occurs either through brushing against the bristles on the stem or breaking the stem or leaves.

Identification of the noxious plant can be difficult early on in the season, as it looks much like a number of other plant native to the county's woods and forests – such as Queen Ann's Lace and Cow Turnip.

“The most distinctive difference is in the size of the plant as it matures,” said Sutton. “It grows to more than ten to 14 feet in height if left to grow to maturity. Individuals who come into contact with the sap of the plant should wash that affected area with soap and cool water immediately and avoid coming into contact with sunlight,” he added.