Giant Hogweed
Warning: Giant Hogweed Has Been Found Within the Five Eastern Counties
If you are exposed to Giant Hogweed - Wash affected areas immediately.
- Keep the affected area out of the sun.
- Seek medical advice.
 What is Giant Hogweed?
- It looks similar to cow parsnip, but poses a serious threat.
- It can grow 15 to 20 feet in height(4.5 to 6 metres).
- Its leaves are nearly 5 feet wide and feature hairs on their underside.
- Its hollow stem has dark reddish-purple splotches and coarse white hair.
- It can produce thousands of seeds.
Why is it dangerous? The hogweed’s danger lies in its clear and watery sap. If the sap from a broken stem or crushed leaf, root, flower or seed comes into contact with skin, it can cause severe burns, blistering and painful sores when the skin is exposed to sunlight. If even a small amount of sap comes into contact with the eyes, it can lead to temporary or permanent blindness. What to do if you find hogweed on your property To remove hogweed from your property, you must take special precautions: - Wear protective clothing, including gloves, long sleeves, pants, and eye protection, rain coat and boots.
- Avoid getting sap on your skin.
- Immediately remove any flower heads to prevent seed growth and dispersal.
- Sever the plant roots 8 – 12 cm below the soil surface.
- Dispose of all plant parts in double-bagged garbage bag, seal the bag and DO NOT COMPOST or put it in your yard waste.
- Return to plant site periodically to remove any new plant growth.
- Wash the clothes you wore to remove the plant afterwards (avoid contact with soiled clothing or tools).
What to do if you find Hogweed in a public place or park - Inform your local area municipality.
Giant Hogweed (Healthful)
Hogweed Workers Poster
Attack of the Giant Hogweed Video
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