Ways To Handle Giant Hogweed

First and foremost, if you think you have giant hogweed on your property then do not touch it! Giant hogweed can grow to be fifteen ft. tall and have large variegated leaves as well as large blooms on the top that resembles common hogweed.

Giant hogweed has been identified in Europe and the United Kingdom as well as in the United States and has been documented in the following states: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Massachusetts, Virginia and Vermont and appears to be spreading. The seeds can be spread via birds, waterways, wind and remain viable for nearly a decade.

Giant hogweed was first introduced to the United States as an ornamental plant in 1917. It has since been listed by the federal government on its list of invasive and toxic plants. Environmentally these plants can disrupt and cause severe diminishment of an area’s natural flora. It reproduces quickly and one plant can produce as few as 20,000 seeds to as many as 100,000. An infestation can quickly eliminate all other plants in the area and can contribute to oil erosion.

Moreover, they are highly toxic to humans. Just the mere brushing of the leaves can result in the plant releasing a poisonous sap. It is known to cause severe skin irritation and can result in a very painful rash that can last from six months to six years depending on exposure. In the most severe cases it has been known to cause permanent blindness. Sunlight seems to exasperate the condition.

It is vital to the health and well being of anyone handling this toxic plant that they are properly prepared by wearing the recommended safety clothing that includes long, waterproof gloves, long sleeves, long pants, boots and safety goggles. It should be stressed enough that you are not to touch this plant at anytime with bare skin. If you do come in contact with this plant wash the area with soap and cold water and seek medical attention immediately if any reactions occur.

The most proper and effective way to eradicate giant hogweed depends on the level of its infestation on your land. This is not a simple action and can often take years to actually accomplish. Patience and diligence are the keys to totally eradicating the species.

First you must identify the source and level of the invasion. If it is a small area, say less than 200 plants, it is more manageable and much easier to eliminate the unwanted weed. In these situations you can back hoe or cut the plants down, make sure to also cut the root system. These can at times be very deep and you want to be sure to go deep enough to kill the plant, at least six inches in larger plants.

The best time of the year to cut is in the winter or cooler months while they are dormant and have less seed. They are perennial and will go dormant in the winter so you must ensure that you get the entire root system or it will return on the following year. It is important to properly dispose of the unwanted plants and to try not to spread the seeds around if possible.

A good way to halt its recurrence is to plant hardy grasses in the cleared area and to be diligent on weeding out new plants as they reproduce. Herbicide and chemicals can also be applied.

If your land is located to one that is also infested then it may require a joint and community effort or if you have a larger area of infestation then removal may require various methods to effectively remove the giant hogweed and may include the use of mechanical equipment, manual labor as well as the use of chemical herbicides.

The most effective means is repetitive actions and diligence to remain one-step ahead of the giant hogweed.