MILWAUKEE (AP) - A giant invasive plant with toxic sap that can burn human skin has turned up in southeastern Wisconsin for the first time, state environmental officials say.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Department of Natural Resources confirmed in June that hundreds of giant hogweed plants were present in Sheboygan.
The plant is a native of the Caucasus region of Eurasia, between the Black and Caspian seas. It was brought to the United Kingdom and to the United States in 1917 as an ornamental plant. It can grow to as high as 20 feet and sprout 3-foot leaves.
It's fast-growing, invading roadsides, the edges of forests and empty lots. It also produces thousands of seeds, which can be dispersed by flowing water or animals. The most common way it spreads, however, is by humans who are attracted by its size and decide to plant it.
Giant hogweed can crowd out native species and its sap contains glucosides that react with the sun's ultraviolet rays and can severely burn the skin, cause blisters or cause temporary blindness.
It's been found in Michigan, Illinois, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Washington. It was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2004, with confirmed reports in Iron, Waupaca and Manitowoc counties.
Sometimes called giant cow parsley, giant hogweed is listed as a prohibited species. That means the plant isn't widespread and so far has been found only in isolated spots but likely will spread if not controlled. If necessary the DNR, can obtain a court order to eradicate it.
DNR biologist Kelly Kearns said authorities believe they've been able to control all known populations.
"It's a big deal, from my perspective, because it's a prohibited species that's not yet widespread," Kearns said. "When we find the plant, we try to get it under control."
A crew from Brodhead-based Applied Ecological Services surveyed the Sheboygan neighborhood where the plants were found and sprayed more than 800 plants with herbicide last week, said Scott Horzen, a board member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, which helped to oversee the eradication plan.
Neighbors said the plants may have been there for as long as a decade, Horzen said. He described the plants as "ginormous - it stands out in a spot because it's so big. It's unlike any other plant in Wisconsin."
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the Department of Natural Resources confirmed in June that hundreds of giant hogweed plants were present in Sheboygan.
The plant is a native of the Caucasus region of Eurasia, between the Black and Caspian seas. It was brought to the United Kingdom and to the United States in 1917 as an ornamental plant. It can grow to as high as 20 feet and sprout 3-foot leaves.
It's fast-growing, invading roadsides, the edges of forests and empty lots. It also produces thousands of seeds, which can be dispersed by flowing water or animals. The most common way it spreads, however, is by humans who are attracted by its size and decide to plant it.
Giant hogweed can crowd out native species and its sap contains glucosides that react with the sun's ultraviolet rays and can severely burn the skin, cause blisters or cause temporary blindness.
It's been found in Michigan, Illinois, Maine, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon and Washington. It was first discovered in Wisconsin in 2004, with confirmed reports in Iron, Waupaca and Manitowoc counties.
Sometimes called giant cow parsley, giant hogweed is listed as a prohibited species. That means the plant isn't widespread and so far has been found only in isolated spots but likely will spread if not controlled. If necessary the DNR, can obtain a court order to eradicate it.
DNR biologist Kelly Kearns said authorities believe they've been able to control all known populations.
"It's a big deal, from my perspective, because it's a prohibited species that's not yet widespread," Kearns said. "When we find the plant, we try to get it under control."
A crew from Brodhead-based Applied Ecological Services surveyed the Sheboygan neighborhood where the plants were found and sprayed more than 800 plants with herbicide last week, said Scott Horzen, a board member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium, which helped to oversee the eradication plan.
Neighbors said the plants may have been there for as long as a decade, Horzen said. He described the plants as "ginormous - it stands out in a spot because it's so big. It's unlike any other plant in Wisconsin."