Noxious Weeds and Dangerous Plants

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Giant hogweed hasa thick, green, bristly stem and white flower clusters that bloom in summer. It is normally between three and five metres tall. 

Giant hogweed is dangerous for humans and animals. It contains a clear sap that can cause a sunburn-like feeling when it comes into contact with bare skin.

It also has photosensitizing compounds, which means that the burn can become worse if the skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun.

To learn more about giant hogweed, visit the Invasive Species Centre’s Giant Hogweed Profile.

Like giant hogweed, wild parsnip contains a sap that can cause a sunburn-like feeling when it comes into contact with bare skin.

It also has photosensitizing compounds, which means that the burn can become worse if the skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun.

To learn more about wild parsnip, visit the Invasive Species Centre’s Wild Parsnip Profile.

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Poison ivy sprouts have three smooth leaves and a reddish-coloured stem. The leaves are green in the spring and summer, and red, orange, or yellow in the fall. Poison ivy can also grow clusters of small, white berries.

Poison ivy is dangerous for humans because its oil can cause an itchy, red skin rash. The oil can be spread easily, and sometimes without even touching the plant itself. Pet fur, bed linens, clothing, or furniture can cause a second-hand oil transfer onto human skin.

To learn more about poison ivy, visit Canada.ca – Poison Ivy.