What Is Giant Hogweed?

For any land owner, the words ‘giant hogweed’ are a cause for concern, yet despite its danger, it’s far less well-known than other invasive plants, like Japanese knotweed. While giant hogweed might look pretty, appearances can be deceiving, and it poses a serious risk to both the environment and public health.To keep your land protected, it’s important that you understand what giant hogweed is and how it can be identified and removed; that’s why the team at Oliver Brown has written this guide.

What is giant hogweed?

Giant hogweed – otherwise known by its Latin name

– is a tall, invasive plant known for its toxic sap. 

It was originally brought over to the UK from the Caucasus region in the 1800s, with the idea that it would be used as an ornamental feature in large gardens and estates. Its true nature quickly became apparent, but by then it was too late; a single giant hogweed plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds, all of which can be easily dispersed by wind and waterways.

What does giant hogweed look like?

At first glance, you might mistake giant hogweed for cow parsley as the two look incredibly similar – not a surprise as they’re both in the

family. However, giant hogweed grows much taller, often up to 5 metres in height, and has several other distinctive features to watch out for, including:

Giant leaves

• that resemble rhubarb leaves and have jagged edges and a hairy underside

Large, umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers

• that bloom in the summer

Thick, hollow stems

• that are speckled with purple blotches and covered in white, bristly hairs

Flat, oval seeds

• that are around 1cm long and usually found underneath mature flower heads

Is giant hogweed dangerous?

Yes, giant hogweed can be dangerous due to its toxic sap.

The sap of giant hogweed contains a chemical called furocoumarin, which makes your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight. While you might not have an immediate reaction when you first come into contact with it, this sap can cause severe burns and blistering the next time you are exposed to sunlight. Should you accidentally touch giant hogweed, the best thing to do is thoroughly wash the affected area immediately and keep it covered from the sun. You may also need to seek medical advice.

Is giant hogweed illegal?

While having giant hogweed growing on your land isn’t illegal in itself, it is an offence to allow it to spread or to dispose of it incorrectly.

Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, land owners have a responsibility to prevent invasive plants from escaping and causing harm to the environment and neighbouring land. This means that if you knowingly allow giant hogweed to spread, you could face a hefty fine or legal action. Plus, as giant hogweed is classed as controlled waste, it can’t just be thrown in with the rest of your garden waste; it must be properly disposed of at a licensed facility.

How to remove giant hogweed

The best way to remove giant hogweed is to enlist the help of an invasive plant removal expert, like Oliver Brown Ltd. This is because it must be handled with the utmost care due to its toxic sap, and a professional will have the appropriate protective gear and training to remove it safely and effectively, while also minimising the risk of seeds spreading.

The scale of the infestation will determine the best method of removal, but typically this will involve either manually excavating the giant hogweed and its roots, or applying targeted herbicides. The weeds and their seeds will then need to be carefully contained to prevent any further spread before being securely transported to an authorised disposal facility.

How can Oliver Brown Ltd help?

If you need giant hogweed removal in the UK, Oliver Brown Ltd are the people to call. As invasive plant removal experts, we’ll ensure any giant hogweed is effectively removed while preventing further spread to the surrounding land. If you’d like to know more or get a free quote, get in touch with our friendly team.