There have been reports about a potentially dangerous plant cropping up in Prince Rupert, but it’s a case of mistaken identity according to an expert.
The issue of Giant Hogweed was brought up at Prince Rupert City Council Monday night, but the Northwest Invasive Plant Council (NWIPC) says what residents are seeing is the native Cow Parsnip.
NWIPC Program Manager Penni Adams says the plants are in the same family and do look similar at a glance, but she says hogweed is much taller and does not like the cooler climate of the Northwest.
Adams says the sap from both plants can irritate the skin, but Giant Hogweed sap is particularly bad as it can cause 3rd degree burns when affected skin is exposed to sunlight.
The Northwest Invasive Plant Council says there have been no confirmed cases of Giant Hogweed in the Northwest.
All reported sightings have been confirmed as Cow Parsnip.
