Noxious plants and allergenic pollens

Poison ivy

Poison ivy grows widely throughout Québec. Contact between the skin and the sap of poison ivy can cause a painful allergic reaction. 

If you want to remove poison ivy from your property, never burn it. Inhaling smoke from burning poison ivy plants can cause very painful inflammation of the lungs and even death. 

To learn more about poison ivy, see: 

• Identifying and getting rid of poison ivy
• Allergic reactions caused by poison ivy

Giant hogweed

Giant hogweed is an invasive and poisonous plant found in the Outaouais. Contact between the skin and the sap of giant hogweed, combined with exposure to sunlight, causes lesions similar to burns. 

To learn more about giant hogweed, see: 

• Identifying and getting rid of giant hogweed
• Burns caused by giant hogweed

Ragweed

Ragweed is a widespread weed in the Outaouais. It releases pollen that can affect the health of Québecers by causing allergic reactions.  

To learn more about ragweed, see: 

• Identifying and limiting the presence of ragweed
• Seasonal rhinitis (hay fever)

Other allergenic pollens

Trees and grasses can also produce allergenic pollens that can cause symptoms of seasonal rhinitis.

To learn more about pollen allergies in the Outaouais, see our publications:

• Pollen allergy – Symptoms and advice on how to protect yourself (In French only) 
• Rapport de surveillance sur l’allergie au pollen en Outaouais (In French only)