The giant hogweed, often referred to as ‘Britain’s most dangerous plant’ may not appear particularly threatening.
But the towering shoots with white flowers on top can cause blisters filled with pus and severe burns.
Tina Sabine (28),, described waking up in a state of immobility after brushing against an invasive plant while walking her dog.
Daniel, 21, claimed that his blisters were as large as “golfballs”, after he recovered a football from a hogweed bush in a West London Park.
The swelling was “unbearable”, causing him to collapse under his body weight.
The Royal Horticultural Society states that the towering plants are an invasive species and “widely spread in the wild”.
Although they are found all over the UK, it is more likely that you will find them in certain areas.
A new map by PlanTrackers highlights UK hogweed hotspots, and places where you should be extra vigilant.
Map showing hogweed in London, as well around Manchester and Huddersfield. Leeds. York, and Hull.
The plant also grows thickly in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
According to PlantTrackers, Northern Ireland, and Wales have only a few hogweed locations.
It is important to note that the only records that have been verified are those of dangerous plants. This means that there may be other areas where you should be careful.
The giant hogweed, with its rhubarb like green stems and white flowers can reach a height of 25ft.
It is recognized by its purple-blotched stem and green leaves, as well as flower heads that can reach 2ft in diameter.
The sap of the plant contains a toxin known as furanocoumarins which can cause skin cells to die if it is in contact with skin.
The sap reacts to the melanin on your skin, and this removes the protection it has against UV light. This causes photosensitivity, where the affected area is highly sensitive to the sun, and results in blisters and lesions.
The NHS warns that it is best to avoid touching these plants in any way.
You should seek medical attention if you have come into contact with this plant. Protect the skin from the sun and wash it as soon as you can with soap and warm water.
It is important to take this step if you have a child who has been in contact with giant hogweed.
If you have blisters, be careful not to rupture them.
If you have sap in your eyes, wash the eye out with water and consult a doctor.
It is also important to wash your clothes immediately and thoroughly if you have come into contact with a plant.