BERRYVILLE, Va. (AP/WUSA9) — Giant hogweed, an invasive plant that can produce severe burns, blisters, and blindness has been spotted for the first time in Virginia.
Mark Sutphin, an agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, said Monday the weed's presence was confirmed in Berryville several days ago. He said a previous property owner planted it as an ornamental.
Debra Martin, a program manager with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said officials are formulating a plan to respond to the discovery.
Property owner Robert Emma says officials have told him they will come the his property Thursday to remove the plants, then embark on a three to five year monitoring program to be sure any latent seeds do not germinate in the future.
Since the discovery others have reported giant hogweed sightings, but Martin said the Berryville plant is the only confirmed sighting. The plant can be confused with cow parsnip, and Queen Anne's Lace which are native to Virginia. Giant Hogweed is much larger growing to up to 16-feet. The poisonous weed is distinguished by purple streaks on its stalks.
Giant hogweed is one of three plants defined in Virginia as a Tier 1 noxious weed and is heavily regulated. It is epidemic in some other states including New York.
Some people have reacted to reports of the discovery by confusing the photos of Giant Hogweed with Queen Anne's Lace. Some are dismissing the discovery as "fake news."
"I can assure you this is very real," said Mr. Emma as he observed more than a half dozen of the plants growing around the foundation of his historic farm house.
