Giant Hogweed: UK risks losing fight against toxic plant, Experts Warn

Heracleum mantegazzianum, or as it’s commonly known, giant hogweed is a non-native plant in the UK that is commonly found on British river banks and can be dangerous to humans. A mild winter and widespread flooding earlier this year is thought to have caused the early resurgence of this potentially harmful plant across Britain and caused it to have an even greater presence in fields, woodlands and even local allotments. Knowing what giant hogweed is, what it looks like and how it can pose a threat to humans is key to avoiding harm and keeping both yourself and others safe. What is giant hogweed and why is it dangerous? Giant hogweed is not native to the UK and was first introduced into the country from Southern Russia and Georgia in the 19th Century.

A towering plant that can reach up to three meters (10 feet) in height, it can be easily mistaken for cow parsley, one of the reasons that it is a danger to those who are unaware of the risks associated with touching hogweed. In the New Journal of Botany, published in 2013, giant hogweed was described as ‘a threat to public health.’ The Royal Horticultural Society explains that the primary danger posed by giant hogweed to humans is the plant’s sap, which if it gets onto the skin and the skin is exposed to sunlight, can cause burns and blistering. Their website states: ‘Chemicals in the sap can cause photodermatitis or photosensitivity, where the skin becomes very sensitive to sunlight and may suffer blistering, pigmentation and long-lasting scars.’

If your skin has come into contact with giant hogweed you should ensure you wash it immediately, keep out of the sun and seek medical advice. How to identify giant hogweed in the UK Similar to cow parsley, giant hogweed is a long-stemmed green plant with white flowers, however, it does have some features that differentiate it from the harmless fern-like foliage.

Firstly, giant hogweed is a great deal taller than cow parsley, growing well above 1.5 meters in height. Its leaves and flowers are also a great deal larger than cow parsley and other similar plants – so look out for any plant that resembles an oversized or giant cow parsley or rhubarb plant. Giant hogweed also have hollow green stems that feature purple blotches and stiff, white hairs and huge leaves with irregular, jagged edges.

If you think you have identified giant hogweed in your local area, avoid walking through or near it, consult with a weed removal expert or contact your local authority, because they have powers in certain circumstances to have the dangerous plant removed under The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

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