Giant Hogweed, an invasive species that causes blisters and extreme sensititvity to UV rays, is spreading along the east coast. Following is a story from the Baltimore Sun about local problems with the plant:
http://www.sunspot.net/news/yahoo/ba...saol-headlines
And here is a site that provides more specifics about identifying the weed...
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/LANDS/weeds/hogweed.htm
finally, a map showing its distribution in the Northeast:
http://ceris.purdue.edu/napis/pests/...ap/usaall.html