Giant hogweed, a dangerous plant that can burn the skin and even cause blindness, has been reported on the Coast.
"Some people grow it; they think it's wonderful," said John Miller, parks supervisor for the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD).
Miller said he's heard Coast residents defend the plant - which can grow five metres tall and produce umbrella-shaped heads of clustered white flowers stretching up to 0.6m across -as "exotic" and "mysterious."
"Well, yes, it is [exotic and mysterious]," he said. "But it can burn you and blind you."
The SCRD has posted a warning about giant hogweed on its website, www.scrd.ca, describing how the plant's clear toxic sap can make skin very sensitive to ultraviolet rays and result in blisters, third degree burns and permanent scarring. It notes that if an individual gets hogweed sap in their eyes, they risk temporary or even permanent blindness.
The plant is considered a particular threat to children.
"Kids like it," Miller said. "It's like a bamboo type of stalk and they make peashooters and spyglasses and that sort of thing."
Miller said the SCRD parks department has been battling a few patches of the plant for a couple years and is continuing to monitor recurring crops on the Mahon Trail, on Mabel Road in Bonniebrook and down YMCA Road in Maple Park.
But he said there seems to be more of it this year than in previous years.
The Gibsons parks department has also seen more of the plant this year, said Wendy Gilbertson, Gibsons' director of parks and cultural services.
Perry Schmitt, parks foreman for the District of Sechelt, said the Sechelt parks department has not found any giant hogweed in the areas it oversees. There have been reports, however, of a patch growing in Selma Park on Sechelt Indian Band lands.
According to the SCRD bulletin, if anyone is exposed to the plant, they should wash the affected area immediately, keep it out of the sun, and seek medical advice for burns.
The various parks departments are urging Coast residents to remove the plant if it is growing in their yards. To do so, first put on water-resistant protective clothing, including pants and long sleeves, and eye protection. The SCRD bulletin recommends first removing flower heads to prevent seed growth and dispersal, and then taking down the plant, making sure to dig out the plant roots eight to 12cm below the soil surface with a sharp knife. The SCRD warns that the plants should not be composted, and advocates disposing of them in double-bagged garbage bags.
If Coast residents notice giant hogweed on public lands, they should contact the appropriate municipality, the SCRD parks department at 604-885-6802, or the Ministry of Highways at 604-740-8985.
