Giant Hogweed has a bite to match its appearance!
be in a position of danger. However, it always amazes me how many people are hit with Giant Hogweed during mowing or strimming, unaware of the problems that they will now face, along with considerable pain. It is the public that are most at risk and it is our Duty Of Care to protect them where possible.
Giant Hogweed provides entertaining play opportunities for children. Leaves up to 1.5m wide and straight stems as thick as your arm and 5m high are just too tempting to be left alone. This results in play sword fights with some nasty long term consequences. A UK Google search provides 35,000 results. The warnings are easy to see. The danger is all too apparent. However, as with Knotweed,
the reason for importing the plant in the ignorance that the Victorians seem to have had to excess can be seen. Architecturally strong, imposing and exotic, the plant provided a backdrop to borders and woodland settings that had not been seen before. The downside being that each plant has the ability to produce hundreds of thousands of viable seeds every year. Each with the ability to become a monster plant within two years. Control of the plant is not
problematic. There can be no excuse for the plant spreading once it has been discovered. After flowering the plant dies, making way for the previous year’s seedlings to develop into new mature plants. Early and regular control is needed and management plans lasting 3 years or more are essential. Once the plant is showing sufficient leaves to allow spraying of Glyphosate, then spray it. Don’t leave it as the plant will grow very large very quickly and within weeks the task of control will be nigh on impossible.
It goes without saying that
Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when working with Giant Hogweed. Great
Giant Hogweed flower heads See, we told you it was big!
care must be taken so as not to come into contact with the plants directly, whether they be alive or dead.
As with all invasive species the answer lies within management and heeding advice given by experts. There are a number of companies within the UK undertaking specialist treatment regimes. For more information on these, and countless other invasive species, visit
www.t-c-m-rd.co.uk
Giant Hogweed produces blistering on the skin
Giant Hogweed - Immature growth in May
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