Backyard Plant That Can Alter DNA, Cause Severe Burns, Spreading Across US

Everything about flowers seems to beckoning you to get closer to them. They are beautiful, boasting amazing colors and designs, and of course, they have pleasant aromas as well. But just because they look nice, doesn't mean you should touch them - especially one plant that might be in your backyard right now.

It's called the giant hogweed and it features white flowers that group together in an umbrella shape, but it is also incredibly toxic - so much so that it can actually change your DNA. The invasive plant, which can grow to be up to 20 feet tall, has a sap that contains a substance that binds to the DNA in skin cells. When it is exposed to ultraviolet light, it causes redness, itchiness and also destroys the DNA, leading to severe burns and painful blisters. Worst of all, even after any skin irritation clears up, the affected area could be scarred and/or remain hypersensitive to the sun for years. Meanwhile, if the sap gets in your eye, you could suffer temporary vision loss and possibly permanent blindness.

The plant is so dangerous that authorities are asking you to report it if you find it. Thankfully, it is pretty easy to spot. It can be very tall with a stem covered in purple splotches and coarse white hairs. It is found everywhere from yards to parks to roadsides to forests, and is most common in states like New York, Washington, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Vermont and Oregon, but it's been seen elsewhere as well. However, it is most prevalent in New York since up until the early 1900s, it was sold at garden centers as a decorative plant for outside the home.

In fact, to raise awareness so people don't suffer from the consequences of touching giant hogweed, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation put out a poster to help identify the plant.

There is a lot of giant hogweed out there, even though local governments are working hard to eradicate it. The problem is that a single plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds.

So what should you do if you wind up coming into contact with one? Well, immediately wash any areas affected with soap and water. According to Poison Control, to be safe, you should also avoid sunlight for 48 hours. For skin irritation, hydrocortisone cream should help, but if symptoms persist, you should see a doctor. If the sap gets in your eyes, rinse them with water for at least 15 minutes and wear sunglasses for the next couple days.

If you find giant hogweed in your yard, it is best to call local officials to deal with it since it is recommended you do not remove it yourself.