May 23--An invasive plant that can cause blistering and scarring of the skin has been found in Butler County, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture said Friday.

Giant hogweed, a bristly green weed that can grow nearly 15 feet tall and sprouts white flowers, was found in Evans City along the Pittsburgh/Buffalo railroad tracks at the intersection of Spithaler School and Ash Stop roads, and at the intersection of the tracks and Ash Stop Road.

It is marked with Department of Agriculture signs and being treated with an herbicide.

"We encourage local residents to stay away from the infested area as treatment continues, and to report any new sightings so we can act swiftly to stop the spread of the weed," Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff said in a news release.

Brochures to aid in identification are available at the Forward Township Municipal Building or online at www.agriculture.state.pa.us under "Plant and Animal Health." Sightings should be reported to a hotline at 877-464-9333.

Giant hogweed spreads naturally by seeds. Because of the close proximity to the railroad tracks, agriculture staff believe the seeds were carried and dispersed by passing trains, and possibly through a nearby landscape plant dumping site.

Allison M. Heinrichs can be reached via e-mail or at 412-380-5607.

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