PEOPLE in Malvern are being urged to beware of an extremely toxic weed that could prove a danger to public health this summer. 

National trade body the Property Care Association (PCA) has sounded the alarm bells about giant hogweed. 

The sap of the invasive non-native weed is extremely toxic, making it a danger to public health.

Following two consecutive wet springs, the PCA has said weather patterns are creating an opportunity for the plant to thrive and gain ground across the UK.

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Contact with any part of giant hogweed, followed by exposure to UV light including the sun, can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin.

The technical manager of the PCA invasive weed control group, Daniel Docking, said making people aware of the health implications associated with exposure to giant hogweed is key to creating a safer environment.

He said: “Too often there are reports of people who have been injured after inadvertently coming into contact with giant hogweed.

“Children are particularly vulnerable, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer.

“Anyone unfortunate to come into contact with giant hogweed can develop symptoms including a rash, itching and blisters where skin touches any part of the plant.

“In some cases, people need urgent medical attention because the blistering can be so severe."

As well as initial symptoms, victims of giant hogweed can cause longer-term complications as the condition can reoccur over years, with the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light.

The stem of giant hogweed is usually covered in blotchy purple markings, with sharp bristles also found on the stem and under the leaves.

It can also be up to five metres high and has a stem that measures up to 10 centimetres in diameter.

The plant has a large, white, umbrella-shaped flowering head, with giant hogweed also having sharply serrated or divided leaves, which reach up to three metres.

Visit www.property-care.org/homeowners/invasive-weed-control for a full list of companies in the Invasive Weed Control Group.