By: Ray Hanley

 Native to central & southwest Asia  Found in open fields, along roadsides, along streams in natural areas, disturbed soils, and railroad embankments  Ornamental- showpiece ◦ Great Britain to U.S.  Favorite of bee keepers

 Biennial or perennial herb in carrot family (Apiaceae)  Height – up to 20 feet  Hollow rigid stem – 2-4 inches in diameter ◦ Dark reddish purple blotches  Large compound leaves- up to 5 feet wide  White flower head up to 2.5 feet wide ◦ Blooms late June through August  Seeds- dry, flattened, and oval (3/8 inch long)

invader/ p_ten_0wanted0_list/html/4.stm

hogweed/

invasives/target-species/giant-hogweed/

hogweed/

 Range: ◦ Canada ◦ America ◦ Britain ◦ France ◦ Germany ◦ Belgium ◦ Asia

 Suppresses growth of native plants  No native predators  Impacts on wildlife- no food or habitat  Increased soil erosion ◦ Leaves barren soil in winter when dormant

 Do Not Touch!  Brushing against ◦ Minor burns  Broken leaves or stems ◦ Clear watery sap-glucoside  Sap causes sensitivity to sunlight ◦ Skin contact-Severe slow to heal burns, scarring, blistering, painful sores, and purplish or blackened scars ◦ Eye contact- severe irritation or even blindness  If in contact- wash with soap and cold water ◦ Medical attention is advised nt_hogweed.htm

 Very difficult to eradicate  Use caution in any type of removal  Physical Removal ◦ Mowing, cutting and use of line trimmers ◦ Biocontrol ◦ Digging out roots of plant ◦ Seed dispersal is an issue  Chemical Removal ◦ Pesticides- non selective

  invasives/target-species/giant-hogweed/ invasives/target-species/giant-hogweed/  toxic-invader/ toxic-invader/   ds/giant-hogweed.pdf ds/giant-hogweed.pdf