Stack speaks with WVII about safely dealing with hogweed
Lois Berg Stack, a University of Maine professor of sustainable agriculture and ornamental horticulture specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, spoke with WVII (Channel 7) about how to identify and properly remove Hogweed. Hogweed looks similar to Queen Anne’s lace, but can grow 8 to 10 feet tall, has a thicker stem, and blooms in a wider radius, according to the report. The plant’s sap can create a painful rash that can last for months, the report states. “As long as you have gloves and long sleeves and you’re not touching it with your skin, you’re perfectly safe,” Stack said. “It’s when you go in with bare arms and brush against it and accidentally get some of the sap on your arm and then get sunlight on it that you can have problems.” Stack recommends contacting UMaine Extension in your county if you suspect hogweed is growing in your yard.