Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a towering perennial plant that can grow between 2 to 5 meters tall. Despite its amusing nicknames such as Giant Cow Parsley, Hogsbane, and Giant Alien, this plant is far from funny. It is an invasive species with phototoxic properties. Contact with its sap, combined with exposure to sunlight, triggers a condition known as phytophotodermatitis, leading to severe skin inflammation, blistering, and potential scarring that can persist for several days.