I had some nasty blisters from common hogweed when I was younger. My dad told me to go and cut down the flowering stems from the field before they set seed and the next day I was covered in 5p size blisters where I'd had exposed skin and the sap had got on me. I occasionally get the odd small blister now when using a strimmer without checking if there's any hidden in the grass.
If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
Havent read the article, but as its the Metro, who have also told us about the arrival of killer false widows (who have lived here happily for over 100 years), Killer caterpillars, killer hornets etc, Id take it with a large pinch of salt. Lots of people are allergic to hogweed and its family, unless its going to start uprooting itself and attacking us I doubt its a problem
I react really badly, still got the scars on my legs from wearing shorts whilst clearing a load of hogweed nearly 20 years ago. They never tan and can get sensitive in sunlight even now.
Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
The young fronds are edible, They taste ok if a little furry, One can also gather the stems and tie them tightly together, they exude a sugary sap as they dry. Probably a good idea to check for allergies before consuming.
Gives more information, the article you are referring too would seem to imply it is talking about giant hogweed (I have not read it) Many plants can give you a very nasty rash, parsnip leaves for one!
Posts
Care and common sense are good
Panic is pointless
In the sticks near Peterborough