Scarier than a Jack-O’-Lantern

Photo taken by Rüdiger Wölk.

Looking for a scary Halloween costume this year? Why not dress up as a 14-foot-tall toxic carrot? Heracleum mantegazzianum, otherwise known as “giant hogweed,” is a member of the carrot family and an invasive plant in America. It originally came from the Caucasus Mountains near Russia, was imported to America as an ornamental plant.

Giant hogweed isn’t bad to look at; it has thick, wide leaves and is crowned with clusters of white flowers much like Queen Anne's Lace. But touching it is another matter.

The plant’s sap is laced with dangerous phototoxins called furanocoumarins. These toxins bind to DNA and tear it apart in the presence of sunlight. This make tissues ultra-photosensitive, resulting in blisters, severe burns and even blindness if sap gets into the eyes.

The plant is so dangerous that removing it requires a team of professionals in hazmat suits. While it is illegal to propagate, sell or transport giant hogweed in the USA it still manages to find its way into yards. Who knows, it could be lurking right outside your window...

Brian Rutter, PhD, is the cofounder of Hundredfold Video and plant biologist working for 2Blades at the University of Minnesota. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our “Sower Stories – Odd Facts About Plants” and video production tips in your inbox every month!