GIANT HOGTWEED

CAUTION — Giant Hogweed can cause serious skin burns - AVOID CONTACT

 

 

This plant spreads very rapidly via seed dispersal and can take several years to achieve adequate control. Each plant can disperse about 50,000 seeds, so it is essential to prevent flowering to achieve adequate control.

Introduced into Britain in 1893 as an ornamental plant, Giant Hogweed escaped from domestication and proceeded to colonise areas of wasteland and riverbanks. It can grow to 5m tall and has a large characteristic arrangement of white flowers from which it produces 30 – 50,000 viable seeds per year. The plant is predominantly biennial although on occasion triennial, producing a single growth of seed heads during either the second or third year. After flowering the plant dies thus allowing the surrounding seedlings to mature.

 

Towards the end of the 1900’s the dangers of the plant, with regard to injuries sustained when coming into contact with Giant Hogweed became apparent. Following this there was little new planting undertaken. However, owing to the invasive nature of the plant the spread of it continued throughout Northern and Western Europe dominating river, road and rail corridors. Giant Hogweed contains sap present throughout its length that on contact with human skin can cause phytophotodermititis. The affects of sap contacting the skin will become apparent 24 – 48 hours after exposure. Post inflammatory affects include hyper-pigmentation (whitening of the skin), which once reacted with sunlight causes rapid burning, the affects can last up to 6 years. The sap has also been known to cause temporary and permanent blindness.

Without doubt Giant Hogweed can have its place in the garden environment although control and eradication is essential in areas open to the public. Due to the size and nature of the flower stalks, these become attractive to children and the like as a form of play. This can cause severe injuries to children and the results of these injuries have been well documented worldwide.


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