You've been warned about Poison Ivy, but what about the more severe Giant Hogweed? Here are 5 plants that may be in your own backyard, but should be avoided. 

Mainers like to spend their summers among the greenery. Whether you are hiking, biking, having a picnic or taking photos for your Instagram, here are some plants you should make sure you stay clear of. You can look but don't touch unless you want to spend your summer itching like crazy!

1. Giant Hogweed- The most serious of all on this list to come in contact with. Sap from this plant will irritate your skin to the point of causing blisters, burns and scarring. Effects of the sap are worsened by exposure to sunlight. Read more about the Giant Hogweed here.

Have you seen this plant? We have! This patch of Giant hogweed can be found along Route 127 near Holt's Point Rd. in Bocabec. Bocabec is one site out of five in the province that the invasive #GiantHogweed has been reported. It can quickly dominate invaded areas and reduce the amount of suitable habitat available for native plants and wildlife. In addition, this plant can cause potential human health issues. Giant hogweed sap contains toxins that, after exposure to sunlight, can cause significant dermatitis on sensitive individuals. Please do not touch it! Want to learn how to detect invaders early? Registration is now open for the New Brunswick Invasive Plant Patrol (IPP) Program workshops. Please email Danielle at dstlouis@ecwinc.org, or call 1-506-456-6001 to learn more and register. Please spread the word! #explorenb #invasiveplant #newbrunswick #nblakes #invasiveplantpatrolnb

A photo posted by Eastern Charlotte Waterways (@ecwinc) on

2. Poison Ivy- The oils on the leaves of this plant will cause most people an itchy, burning, red rash that can last for a few days to weeks. It is also easily spread. Read more about Poison Ivy here. 

3. Poison Oak- Similar in appearance to Poison Ivy, the leaves from this plant also can cause rashes and even blisters. Read more about Poison Oak here.

🚫Poison oak. #leavesofthree #poisonoak #orchard #goodtastefarm

A photo posted by Good Taste Farm (@goodtastefarm) on

4. Trumpet Vine (Trumpet Creeper)- These plants are probably the most attractive on the list which makes them look touchable, but they are not! While they are known to cause rashes on cows, they can also cause rashes similar to Poison Ivy on humans. Learn more about the Trumpet Vine here.

Trumpet vine in bloom #trumpetvine #flowers #vines #bkbumpkin #summerblooms #vinesbelike #orange

A photo posted by BK Bumpkin (@bkbumpkin) on

5. Poison Sumac- This plant or shrubbery may produce small berries making it look pretty but touch it and your rash could be worse than Poison Ivy or Poison Oak. There is a difference between Poisonous Sumac and other Sumac species. See the difference here. 

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