Dangerous plant setting roots in Maine

NORTHPORT, Maine — Officials in a Maine town are warning residents to be on the lookout for a noxious plant that can cause painful blisters or even blindness if it comes into contact with skin or eyes.

Last summer, Northport identified and eliminated two giant hogweeds that set down roots. Now residents are on alert for the giant plant with small white flowers.

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This photo shows a giant hogweed plant in New York state. The dangerous plant has begun to appear in Maine. Photo courtesy of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation

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Native to Asia, the weed can grow to 14 feet tall and the sap causes blisters and the potential for blindness if it comes into contact with the eye.

The Bangor Daily News says the danger is real enough that the Maine Department of Agriculture alerted Waldo County General Hospital last summer. Last year, the department documented at least 20 sites in Maine with giant hogweed.

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