By: Ray Hanleyhttp://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39809.html

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)

http://factoidz.com/the-giant-hogweed-a-toxic-invader/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/sci_nat_top_ten_0wanted0_list/html/4.stm

http://www.languard.co.uk/invasive-weed-management/giant-hogweed/

http://www.sleloinvasives.org/about-invasives/target-species/giant-hogweed/

http://nyis.info/plants/Images/GH_Compare_1.jpg

http://www.languard.co.uk/invasive-weed-management/giant-hogweed/

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=HEMA17

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

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/invasivetutorial/giant_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

http://www.wspenvironmental.com/expertise/invasive-species-control

http://nyis.info/plants/GiantHogweed.aspx

http://www.sleloinvasives.org/about-invasives/target-species/giant-hogweed/

http://factoidz.com/the-giant-hogweed-a-toxic-invader/

http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/72766.html

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/invasive_plants/weeds/giant-hogweed.pdf