Dangerous Weed Found in Michigan Causes Blindness

GHW from ANR Communications MSU on Vimeo.

For those Michigan hikers exploring the western regions of the state, you may either want to pack some weed killer or a seeing-eye dog.

According to the Calhoun County Public Health Department, the hogweed plant, which is a dangerous breed of the carrot family known to cause blindness, has been spotted in the Battle Creek area.

Although the plants that were found have since been removed, health officials are urging the public to be careful. Every aspect of this plant is dangerous, and those who come in contact with its ferocity may not know for several days…and then, it’s lights out.

“Giant Hogweed is a public health hazard that ranks up there higher than poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac in respect to its potential to harm humans,” writes the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development.

If you knowingly come into contact with this weed, health officials suggest flushing your eyes with soap water and then heading to the nearest emergency room.

The video above will help you identify this plant.