Unlike other plants that cause skin irritation, giant hogweed doesn't affect people ... the weed causes a reaction called phytophotodermatitis, leaving burns, blisters, and purplish-black scars ...

In short - the sap of giant hogweed can cause burns. It contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. “If the sap gets onto your skin and it's then exposed to the sun ...

However, she stressed that only experts should handle or removed growths of giant hogweed. The plant contains an oil that can result in serious injuries if it comes in contact with skin ...

The Giant Hogweed Mitigation Project’s founder John Kemp learned about the plant — which can grow up to 18 feet tall and cause long-lasting skin blisters similar to a third-degree sunburn ...