02/08/2021
VDW has noticed over the last few weeks that there have been a number of media articles about the prevalence of Heracleum mantegazzianum commonly known as Giant Hogw**d. Also known as cartwheel-flower, giant cow parsley or hogsbane and is a member of the carrot family Apiaceae. Described as one of the most dangerous w**ds in the UK, it is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to plant Giant Hogw**d or cause it to grow in the wild.
These articles have ranged from West Sussex, Cambridgeshire, Bristol and Worcester to Rutherglen and Cambuslang in Scotland. A number of children and adults have been injured this year following contact with the w**d.
Some of the articles quote Dr Peter Fitzsimmons, technical manager of the Property Care Association’s, invasive w**d control group. (The PCA are a National Trade body).
“Giant Hogw**d sap is extremely toxic to the skin in the sunlight, making it a danger to public health. Youngsters are more likely to come into contact with the plant during the summertime and the mix of warm weather and rain has provided good conditions for the w**d to take hold this year. Giant Hogw**d is also spreading across a wider area, meaning that people are more likely to encounter it. If anyone comes into contact with any part of the plant, followed by exposure to sunlight, they can sustain severe blistering to the skin and discomfort, and this reaction can recur for many years.”
“The general public, as well as local authorities, statutory agencies and landowners on whose property people can come into contact with the plant, should be aware of the risks and Giant Hogw**d needs to be controlled and managed professionally’.
Giant Hogw**d looks like giant cow parsley, growing 1.5-5m tall with a spread of 1-2 metres. It is flowering now – small white flowers grouped on large umbrella shaped flower heads about 60 cm wide. It’s distinctive stems are blotchy green and purple patches with ridges & stiff white hairs and is visibly hollow. Children can be tempted to snap off to make peashooters or telescopes.
Just walking through it is hazardous, if the plant is damaged and sap exposed and you get it on your skin a rash and severe blisters can occur, if you then rub your eyes or face with effected hands it can cause temporary vision problems or even permanent damage.
If you do come into contact with Giant Hogw**d wash your skin with soap as soon as possible. If irritation persists seek medical advice.
When the plant is located and identified professional removal is advised with operatives wearing protective clothes and a face visor. Clothes and tools should be washed afterwards.
So please be careful when out and about, whether it be at work or during family time, and report any sightings to your local authorities so they may safely remove and correctly dispose of this invasive and hazardous species.
The PCA have a Guidance note regarding the hazards and plant management – http://www.property-care.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Guidance-Note-Giant-Hogw**d.pdf.
Media Sources: West Sussex County Times, Cambridgeshire-news.co.uk, Bristolpost.co.uk, Worcesternews.co.uk, Daily Record,
