An invasive plant known as Giant Hogweed found in the Don Valley area, says Metrolinx

A plant considered a dangerous weed has been found in the Don Valley region, Metrolinx wrote in a warning to the public.

Metrolinx, the province’s regional transit agency, said in a warning this week that its crews had recently found a giant blueberry, a harmful and deciduous plant that is invasive, on the tracks of the Richmond Hill train corridor and in Toronto Park.

The plant grows near the railroad corridor between ET Seton Park to the east and the Bayview ramp to Don Valley Parkway to the west, Metrolinx said.

According to the Ontario Department of the Environment, the giant parsnip, also known as the giant cow parsnip, has a clear aqueous juice that contains dangerous toxins. Anyone exposed to the juice can get severe burns if these areas are then exposed to sunlight. Symptoms, ie extremely painful blisters, appear within two days after exposure.

“The giant Hogweed has the ability to spread easily and grow along roads, ditches and streams,” said Emily Cosburn, Metrolinx’s environmental safety manager, in a press release.

“That’s why we immediately report these observations to the Ontario Invasive Species Reporting Portal and are actively working to remove plants from Metrolinx’s property.”

According to the city, the giant Hogweed has been identified in many parks and trails in Toronto and employees are actively trying to control it. The city said residents should not try to remove the plants themselves, but should call 311 when they see it encroaching on paths.

“City staff routinely monitor parks, paths and green areas for dangerous and invasive plant species and take action when necessary, including removing them or installing signs at the entrances to the paths,” Alex Burke, a city spokesman, said in a statement.

The city will remove the Giant Aquarius, which grows within a meter of the edge of the trail. Any giant hogweed growing in a natural environment over a meter is usually not disturbed to provide benefits to surrounding wildlife, the city said.

According to the ministry, the Giant Hogweed can grow from 2.4 to 4.2 meters in height and has unevenly shaped leaves. It produces bunches of white flowers in the shape of an umbrella.