GRESHAM, OR (KPTV) -
It's got an ugly name and can cause even uglier problems - giant hogweed has sprung up near Hartley Elementary School in Gresham.
The giant hogweed contains a clear, watery sap that can cause serious burns, and in some cases can cause permanent scarring or even blindness if it gets into the eyes.
There's a patch of it growing near the school on Northeast 185th Place in Gresham.
Although school is out for the summer, it's growing in a field where kids often play.
The hogweed was discovered last week by a groundskeeper and plans are already in place to get rid of it.
"I was very surprised talking to ODA. They say this is probably the biggest patch in the state in terms of one continuous clump," said Lucas Nipp, of the East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Crews will be at the school Thursday to kill off the giant hogweed. It should be eradicated in about one week.
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