Noxious giant hogweed removed from Webster's Kent Park

Meghan Finnerty , Steve Orr | Democrat and Chronicle

Show Caption Hide Caption Watch out! This plant can cause permanent blindness Health officials in Michigan are warning people to be wary of giant hogweed. The plant has also been found in Webster's Kent Park.

The dangerous giant hogweed that was found at Kent Park in Webster was removed on Thursday.

Geoff Benway, commissioner of public works for the town of Webster, found the plant in Kent Park near Basket and Schlegel roads last week. The town had received a tip from a concerned person, he said.

With the help of the state, Benway was able to confirm it was giant hogweed.

On its website, New York state Department of Environmental Conservation warns people to "not touch this plant!" The DEC says coming in contact with the plant's sap, in combination with sunlight and moisture, can cause a severe skin or eye irritation, blistering, permanent scarring and even blindness.

The noxious weed was about 6 1/2 feet tall and was along the north side of the park near the ball fields, but not near trails or sidewalks, Benway said.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation was expected to conduct periodic visits to make sure it's not growing in Kent Park, he said.

“DEC is committed to aggressively addressing this invasive species and continues to advance on the ground identification and management efforts across the state every year," according to Jerry Carlson the DEC’s forest health chief and research scientist.

The town of Webster posted on Facebook Wednesday told residents to beware and to contact the DEC if someone spots what appears to be giant hogweed.

The plant, native to the Caucasus region where Asia and Europe meet, was imported as an ornamental plant to the United States more than a century ago. New York is a hotbed of giant hogweed infestation.

The plant's scientific name (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is taken from Heracles, the Greek god of strength, and it is a member of the parsley or carrot family, according to the New York Sea Grant.

Residents are vital in identifying where the plants are found each year and the DEC encourages anyone who sees a giant hogweed plant to Email DEC or call the Giant Hogweed Hotline: (845) 256-3111.

MEFINNERTY@Gannett.com

SORR@Gannett.com

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