Despite concerns expressed by some members of the public, the City of Sarnia says there is no giant hogweed in the community.
Manager of Parks, Forestry, and Horticulture Patti Ross said they have investigated reports of the noxious plant.
"To my knowledge we've never seen giant hogweed here," said Ross. "We do have a very similar weed called cow parsnip. It's a native plant, you'll see it along the Howard Watson Nature Trail in a number of spaces. It doesn't have the same properties as the giant hogweed."
Ross said cow parsnip is often reported on the east side of Sarnia.
"We get complaints out by Waterworks a fair bit, there may be a few other smaller spots, but generally that's where I hear it is and we have inspected it," said Ross.
Giant hogweed has popped up within the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority [ABCA].
ABCA has removed the non-native, invasive plant, from the banks of its own properties -- like conservation areas -- and advises residents to contact local weed inspectors for help to remove it. The weed poses a serious health hazard for humans, because its clear, watery sap contains toxins that can cause severe inflammation of the skin.
There is also a risk of severe burns if you get sap on your skin and the skin is then exposed to sunlight, as UV rays activate compounds in the sap.
ABCA describes the mammoth size of the towering plant as its most distinctive trait.
Giant hogweed can grow to the size of a full grown adult and can sometimes reach ten feet in height.