Oldham Council has confirmed the growth of a dangerous plant that can cause serious burns in Shaw after a resident who regularly walks in the area spotted it growing.

The council has confirmed it has taken action to destroy the plant after it was found growing at locations in Shaw.

Giant Hogweed plants can reach over three metres (10 ft) in height and, according to The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS): “most gardeners will want to eradicate it, as it is potentially invasive and the sap can cause severe skin burns.”

What does the council say?

Cllr Jean Stretton, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “We can confirm we have identified the growth of giant hogweed in some areas of Shaw and we would like to thank Mr Longdon for bringing this to our attention.

“We have now chemically treated this to stop the growth and further spread of this plant and the sites identified have been added to our weed treatment list.

“If anyone else notices this plant growing in their area, please avoid touching it and contact our Environmental Services team at EnvironmentalServices@oldham.gov.uk with accompanying images so we can conduct further investigations.”

Where is it?

Local resident Ged Longdon, aged 29, saw the plant in George’s Playing Fields, at the Shaw Quarry, and close to Shaw and Crompton tram stop.

Speaking to The Oldham Times, Ged said: “It's spreading rapidly all across Shaw.

“It seems to be really rife at the moment.”

Where did it come from?

Giant hogweed, also known by its Latin name Heracleum Mantegazzianum, originated in Southern Russia and Georgia.

The plant is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes well-known vegetables and herbs like parsley, carrot, parsnip and coriander.

The sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin which makes the skin sensitive to the sun, which can cause bad blistering. The blistering can even recur over the span of months, and even years.

What does it look like?

The Oldham Times: Giant Hogweed growing in Shaw Giant Hogweed growing in Shaw

The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of giant hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant.

Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. The stems are hollow with ridges and a thick circle of hair at the base of each leaf stalk.

Leaves: the leaves are huge and can measure up to 1.5m (5ft) wide and 3m (10ft) long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets. The Woodland Trust compares them to rhubarb leaves, with irregular and jagged edges, with the underside of the leaf being described as hairy.

Flowers: the flowers of the giant hogweed appear in June and July, and are small and white and appear in clusters on “umbrella-like heads” that face upwards.

Seeds: the seeds are dry, flattened and an oval shape, almost 1cm long and tan in colour with brown lines.

The Oldham Times: Giant Hogweed growing in Shaw Giant Hogweed growing in Shaw

How to treat giant hogweed burns

If you accidentally get giant hogweed sap on your skin, Healthline says that you should wash the area with mild soap and cool water as quickly as possible.

You should keep the skin covered when you’re outside to protect it from the sunlight.

If a rash or blister begins to form, you should seek medical attention. Your treatment will depend on how severe your reaction is.

“Skin irritation that’s caught early might be treated with a steroid cream and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain,” Healthline explains.

It adds: “Severe burns could require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged skin.”

Healthline also explains that the giant hogweed sap can damage more than just your skin - if the sap gets in your eyes, you can experience either temporary or permanent blindness. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems.

What to do if you see it

The council is appealing for anyone who has seen the dangerous plant to contact its Environmental Services team at EnvironmentalServices@oldham.gov.uk with accompanying images so it can conduct further investigations.