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Giant
Hogweed |
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Warning: Have You
Seen This Plant?
If you spend any time outdoors you should be aware
of the the health hazard of the Giant Hogweed plant.
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 Giant
Hogweed, Heracleum Mantegazzianum,
is an invasive alien plant that poses a serious
threat to natural ecosystems and human health. It
can reach an impressive height of 6 meters when
flowering. The hollow stems are 5 to 10 centimetres
in diameter. The large blossom consists of numerous
white flowers clustered in an umbrella-shaped head
spanning more than 60 centimetres across.
The
clear, watery sap found in the Giant Hogweed stem
and stem hairs causes phytophotodermatitis, a
serious skin inflammation activated by exposure to
the sun. Symptoms typically consist of painful
blisters that form 24 to 48 hours after contact, and
pigmented scars that can last up to 6 years.
Coming in
contact with this plant could result in severe burns
to your skin or temporary or permanent blindness. If
exposed:
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wash affected areas immediately;
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keep the affected area out of the sun;
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seek immediate medical advice.
To eradicate these plants:
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wear protective clothing, including gloves, a
long-sleeved shirt, long pants, rubber boots and
eye protection;
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immediately remove any flower heads to prevent
seed growth and dispersal;
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sever the plant roots 8–12 cm below the soil
surface;
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dispose of all plant parts in double-bagged
garbage bags - DO NOT COMPOST;
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periodically return to remove any new plant
growth.
You
can prevent other non-native plants from spreading
into natural areas by:
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never dumping garden waste or hanging baskets
into natural areas;
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learn which non-native species can invade
natural areas (e.g. English Ivy, Purple
Loosestrife) and avoid planting them in your
garden. The Native Plant Society of BC is a good
reference (www.npsbc.org).
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Click here for more information and photos of the
Giant Hogweed |
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