There’s A Poisonous Plant Growing In Michigan Yards That Looks Like A Harmless Weed
By Jack Springgate|Published August 10, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
Michiganders are probably aware of several different plant species they want to avoid, but sometimes dangerous plants are just as hard to identify as they are to deal with after it’s too late. That’s why I’m giving you a closer look at one of these plants that are popping up more often in Michigan. Here’s what you need to know so you can stay out of the way of Giant Hogweed.
This weed can grow between 6-12 ft. tall with stems around 2-4 in. across. Not only is it a threat to humans, but it can also threaten native Michigan species. Groups of Giant Hogweed can cluster together, keeping sunlight from reaching shorter plant species.
It produces white flowers between June-August that cluster together and measure up to 2.5 feet across. The leaves are just as big, with some of the lower leaves growing up to five feet long. They’re divided into three sections with sharp teeth on the margins. You will also find coarse hairs along the stem and on the base of many leaves.
If you’re unlucky enough to come in contact with the clear and watery sap from Giant Hogweed, you should immediately clean the area with warm soapy water to avoid potential photodermatitis. When the sap reacts with sunlight, this can cause painful, burning blisters that can eventually result in scarring. If you touch your eyes after coming in contact, you could develop temporary or permanent blindness. Once you come in contact with the plant and wash the area, you can take extra precautions by wearing clothes that protect your skin from the sun to prevent photodermatitis.
People who try and mitigate this invasive plant species obviously can’t touch it if they’re not wearing protective gear. Do whatever you can to prevent the weed from touching your skin including using rubber gloves if you need to move it using your hands. Be aware, it is illegal to propagate, sell, or transport Giant Hogweed anywhere in the United States because of its harmful nature.
Know the difference between it and other harmless weeds.
The flowering pattern of Giant Hogweed can look oddly similar to dozens of other plants including one that’s actually been known for its culinary and medicinal properties, Angelica. The key difference is that the lobes on Angelica are much less pronounced, it doesn’t grow nearly as tall, and it reaches maturity much earlier in the year.
They can also be mistaken for other harmful weeds. Giant Hogweed can also resemble several other plants you want to avoid including Poison Hemlock and Wild Parsnip.
Hopefully, this gives you some good ways to identify this poisonous plant so you can have better peace of mind on your next trip to the great outdoors. However, if this read makes you think twice about heading outside your property line anytime soon, here are some great ways to bring the adventure right outside your back door.
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