PARENTS and children are being urged to look out for a toxic plant which left a Barrhead schoolboy covered in agonising blisters.

The warning has been sounded by the Property Care Association (PCA) to ensure members of the public are aware of the dangers of giant hogweed.

Capable of growing up to three metres in height and two centimetres in diameter, the plant’s sap can be extremely poisonous if it comes into contact with skin.

The PCA’s message of caution comes just weeks after 11-year-old Adam Hodgson suffered horrific injuries to his leg and arm caused by giant hogweed.

Cross Arthurlie Primary pupil Adam was rushed to hospital in May after accidentally rubbing his leg with what he thought was a dock leaf when stung by a nettle in the town’s ABC Park.

However, he had actually tended to his leg with giant hogweed, which has been dubbed ‘Britain’s most dangerous plant’.

Professor Max Wade, chairman of the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group, wants members of the public to be clued up on and able to recognise the weed.

He said: “Giant hogweed is turning out to be a problem again this summer.

“It is really important that the plant is spotted and that its toxic sap does not come into contact with skin in the sunlight.

“If this occurs, it can lead to a nasty rash, itching and blisters when skin first makes contact with it.

“The rash and the itching can reoccur and flare up for years afterwards when skin is exposed to sunlight.  “An added concern is the fact that giant hogweed sap which comes into contact with items such as clothing and equipment can also be transferred via touch, so it can possibly affect somebody else.”

Giant hogweed has a large, white, umbrella-shaped flowering head and serrated or divided leaves which can grow up to two metres with underside bristles.

The stem is also usually covered in bristles and has blotchy purple markings.

Professor Wade added: “The chemical in the plant, a furanocoumarin, needs bright light to react with the skin and causes blistering and other health problems, so this is the time of year when problems can ensue.  “The general public, as well as local authorities, statutory agencies and landowners on whose property people can come into contact with the plant should be aware of the risks and giant hogweed needs to be controlled and managed professionally.”

The PCA Invasive Weed Control Group has produced a guidance note on how to manage giant hogweed.

To view the document online, go to www.property-care.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Guidance-Note-Giant-Hogweed.pdf The PCA website also lists details of specialist contractors and consultants with the expertise to control and manage invasive species such as giant hogweed.