Beware the giant hogweed this summer.
So warned the New York Department of Environmental Conservation on Monday, encouraging residents to report sightings of what might be the nastiest and most alluring weed in the state. The plant is so dangerous that the DEC has a Giant Hogweed Hotline at (845) 256-3111.
Named after Heracles, the Greek god of strength, the giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) contains sap so toxic that it has been known to burn and temporarily blind those who come into contact with it. Most commonly, it causes severe eye and skin irritation and painful blistering
