Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a close relative of cow parsley. Not native to the UK, it can reach over 3m (10ft) in height. Despite looking quite pretty it is very invasive, and is becoming a major problem in our area. It can be seen growing all along the banks of rivers. The sap can cause severe skin burns.

[RomainZ]

Indeed, it's a very dangerous plant and difficult to eradicate

[KoalaGardens🐨]

oh this is a great image - it looks like it would spread fast!

[Pyrrhula]

Lovely weed capture.

[haskar]

A very unpleasant plant. It comes from the Caucasus. During the reign of the USSR, it was commanded to be planted in all Eastern Bloc countries as a fodder plant. When Sosnowsky hogweed proved to be harmful to health, its cultivation was banned. But plants do not listen to politicians and grow further.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

Stories like this always remind me that when mankind messes around with nature, the results are usually negative! I guess there will be some way to get rid of them without dealing with the burning skin introduced at some point. They look so nice- but they're not so good!