Experts Say ‘Hogweed’ Is Poisonous Very Rare In Michigan [VIDEO]

It's toxic and also very rare here in Michigan, but plant experts say they've been bombarded recently with questions and concerns about 'Hogweed'A Lapeer County resident out on a popular trailway with her family Thursday night, saw something she thought was hogweed and contacted experts. Out of all the beautiful things that could catch your eye at the Southern Links Trailway near Columbiaville, it was a white, lacy looking plant with cascading leaves.

The Lapeer county resident wondered if it was hogweed, the toxic intruder with sap that can cause serious blisters, scarring and even blindness. It wasn't.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said what the Lapeer county resident spotted was a native plant that looks very similar, called cow parsnip a very close relative of giant hogweed.

Click HERE for more information on hogweed and what you can do if you think you've spotted it.
ABC 12 – WJRT – Flint, MI