The giant hogweed plant is a member of the carrot or parsley family and was introduced to North America in the early 1900s.
It looks tall, majestic and has been known to draw the attention of onlookers because it is pretty.
However, the sap from this foreign species causes skin irritation, blisters and even scarring.
It is not a plant to be messed with.
But while giant hogweed may be a plant to be feared among residents in the region, there are other species in the area that are just as destructive and harmful.
They just don’t affect humans directly.
Dog-strangling vine, garlic mustard and common and glossy buckthorn are just a few of the plants that are plaguing this province and killing native species in the area – indirectly affecting us.
What’s more most of the species were brought in by settlers who thought a few plants to spruce up their garden or spice up their lunch might be a good idea.
The problem with that is now these ‘alien’ plants are spreading throughout the province, which is ultimately taking its toll financially on local businesses. 
According to a Central Lake Ontario Conservation Area representative, it costs $16.3 billion in lost revenue from farmer’s crops, lumber, clogged water systems etc. as a result of invasive species across the province.
That’s a startling number, showing that while plants may seem harmless at the time they are introduced doesn’t mean they are.
And what’s more, most of the species mentioned are difficult to combat, because the seeds continue to spread despite the best efforts of conservationists.
Pulling these plants out by the root doesn’t do it.
It’s a lesson to us all as we travel to different places and see interesting flora and fauna.
Just because something looks pretty, doesn’t mean it can’t have harmful effects on our natural eco-system, or worse yet on the local economy.