00:39 Horror Plant Spreads In US, Spotted In Virginia For First Time Giant hogweed, a noxious weed that can give people third degree burns, was spotted in Virginia for the first time.

At a Glance When sap from the giant hogweed combines with moisture and sunlight, it can cause severe skin and eye irritation.

Sightings of the plant have been reported in Virginia, Maine, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and parts of the Pacific Northwest.

Contact with an invasive plant species could lead to serious burns and even blindness, environmental officials in Virginia and other states are warning.

Sightings of the giant hogweed have been reported in Virginia, Maine, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and parts of the Pacific Northwest, WTVD reports.

The plant is a member of the carrot family and can grow to more than 14 feet tall, according to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

The plant's watery sap contains photosensitizing agents. When the sap combines with moisture and is exposed to sunlight, it can cause severe skin and eye irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and even blindness.

"Contact between the skin and the sap of this plant occurs either through brushing against the bristles on the stem or breaking the stem or leaves," the agency notes.

If contact is made with the plant, immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and keep the area away from sunlight for 48 hours, the agency recommends.

"This plant poses a serious health threat," the agency notes. "See your physician if you think you have been burned by giant hogweed. If you think you have giant hogweed on your property, do NOT touch it."

The plant is not only harmful to humans. Its large size can block sunlight, killing off smaller native plants that grow at ground level, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

The plant was first introduced to the United States in the early 20th century via Europe as an ornamental garden plant. It is native to the Caucasus Mountain region between the Black and Caspian Seas and grows along streams and rivers, and in fields, forests, yards and along roadsides.