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Starting & Maintaining a Group Safety and Technical Information Contacts for Stockport Council Departments and Officials
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What is Giant Hogweed? A large member of the carrot family, brought in as an ornamental plant from its native range in south eastern Europe. Found generally near watercourses and in damp meadows, though it can be found on waste ground. It is highly invasive and non native. Each plant can produce up to 50,000 seeds which can survive for up to 15 years. Banks of watercourses colonised by the plant are likely to erode more rapidly than those protected by native grasses and other species. It is capable of growing to a height of up to 5 metres (15 feet). Giant Hogweed MUST be eradicated by law and landowners have responsibility to remove it. How to recognise Giant Hogweed It's huge, up to 5 metres in height and looks like a huge version of Hemlock. Nothing else in the UK even vaguely resembles it when fully grown.  How to eradicate Giant Hogweed Before going near this plant, dress in protective gear as the sap will cause a serious rash. Cut stems and leaves remain active for several hours. Professional chemical spraying is the most effect method of eradication. Cutting the flowering stem is worthwhile as it will prevent the majority of seed set, but small flowering shoots may appear at the base of the stem. Cutting the rootstock at least 10 to 15 cm below ground in March or early April is also effective. Young seedlings which appear during the growing season can be howed. The plant should be regularly monitored and shoots removed until no more appear. |