Fresh alert over poisonous plants growing around Horsham

By Sarah Page
Published 30th Jun 2022, 11:05 BST
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A fresh warning is being sounded over a ‘serious health hazard’ from poisonous plants growing around Horsham.

Horsham District Council neighbourhood wardens say that there is currently a bumper crop of giant hogweed in the district.

It is known as the ‘UK’s most dangerous plant.’

Now council wardens are urging anyone who sees the plants not to touch them but to report their whereabouts to the council.

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A 'bumper crop' of the poisonous plant giant hogweed is growing in and around HorshamA 'bumper crop' of the poisonous plant giant hogweed is growing in and around Horsham
A 'bumper crop' of the poisonous plant giant hogweed is growing in and around Horsham

A spokesperson for Pulborough neighbourhood wardens said: “Giant Hogweed is a very serious health hazard and physical contact with it needs to be avoided at all costs.

"The stems, edges and undersides of the leaves all bear small hairs containing poisonous sap, and the slightest touch causes painful blistering and severe skin irritation.

“Contact with the plant in sunlight produces a skin reaction in almost all cases.

"Blistering symptoms occur 24-48 hours after exposure, and dense pigmentation is visible after three to five days.

Touching the plant can cause severe skin problemsTouching the plant can cause severe skin problems