New patches of giant hogweed, a toxic species indigenous to the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe, have been discovered growing in western North Carolina’s Watauga County. According to Dr. Jim Hamilton, director of the North Carolina Cooperative Watauga County Extension, officials have been dealing with the noxious weed in the county for the past 10 to 15 years. It was originally planted by some homeowners as a decorative yard plant.
Chad Taylor, plant pest specialist with the NC Department of Agriculture, has been working for years to eradicate giant hogweed like this patch in Watauga County, N.C. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jim Hamilton, Watauga County Cooperative Extension
Giant hogweed can grow to 15 feet tall and excretes sap that can badly blister skin and cause blindness if it comes in contact with eyes. According to Hamilton, the sap is photo sensitive, meaning it reacts when exposed to sunlight, but not every individual experiences an extreme reaction. Individuals who encounter the sap should immediately wash the area with soap and cold water and avoid the sun. If sap gets in your eyes, rinse them with water and put on sunglasses. If you experience any reaction, call a doctor.
Watauga is the only county in North Carolina so far where giant hogweed has been identified. The weed is also found in Clarke, Faquier and Rockingham counties in Virginia, and CBS News reported patches in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
The tall plant contains flowers that resemble those on the much smaller Queen Anne’s lace, and is often confused with cow parsnip, a plant loosely related to giant hogweed but native to North America. According to Hamilton, hogweed seeds can live dormant in soil for up to 15 years before germinating, making it especially challenging to eradicate.
If you identify giant hogweed, do not try to cut it down; instead call your state invasive species division or contact your local agricultural extension agent. — By Locke Curtis & staff
Related Articles
Latest News
More Stories
‘First Line of Defense’
During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.
The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.
After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain
A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.
The Washout and Rebuild
For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.
The Shenandoah Salamander
The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.
‘Foraging Is a Way of Connecting’
Foraging has experienced a modern resurgence, partly because of social media, online groups, the pandemic and people wanting to connect with nature. It also builds community, whether in person or online.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Leave a Comment