Invasive Plant In Virginia: Can Cause PERMANENT BLINDNESS And 3rd Degree Burns
Mac Slavo
June 18th, 2018
SHTFplan.com
An invasive plant was discovered Tuesday in the northern part of Virginia. Officials are warning residents to be aware of this particular plant, as it can cause third-degree burns and permanent blindness.
The Massey Herbarium at Virginia Tech said in a Facebook post that 30 giant hogweed plants were discovered in Clarke County, located between Winchester and Leesburg, reported Fox News.
The sap can cause painful blisters that can form and become “dark and pigmented,” and scars that can last up to six years, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation. More disturbingly, if the sap gets into the eye, it can even lead to blindness. Environmental officials in Virginia said that while there has just been one confirmed case in Clarke County, they fell it is necessary to begin warning residents in other parts of the state to stay alert for potential sightings of the plant.
“There have been reports from VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) of sightings of Giant Hogweed in the Staunton area and Middlesex County,” Isle of Wight County posted to Facebook. “There is a strong possibility that the Giant Hogweed could find its way into the Tidewater/Coastal Virginia area.”
Besides being a threat to humans, giant hogweed can also negatively impact the environment. The plant can grow up to up to 14 feet tall, which creates a lot of shade in the area inhibiting the growth of the native plant species.
How to spot the giant hogweed:
The large plants have hollow stems that are generally 2 to 4 inches in diameter, with dark purple and red raised spots and bristle-like hairs.
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