1. Giant Hogweed Causes Several Human Health Risks
Giant Hogweed, a non-native plant causes severe damage to both human and nature. The Northeast
and New York area has plenty of plants that look quite similar to it. Below is the identification of how it
looks like:
• Can grow up to 6 meters in height
• Has a hollow stem with white hair and purple splotches
• It produces umbrella shaped white flowers and a fruit that‘s oval shaped
• It can grow up to 15ft tall
It is extremely dangerous and hence it is advised that one shouldn’t touch or try to cause damage to this
plant because it has the capacity to cause skin irritation. This plant can also cause permanent blindness
and painful blistering as well. If there’s anyone who thinks that he has been burnt by this plant then one
should immediately contact their physician. Moreover if you find this plant on your property then stay
away from it.
It knows how to protect itself and gives flowers in late June. According to surveys’ made by ecology
consultant these plants die in winter months and leave the ground bare. They cause soil erosion as well.
Mow the ground during summer this will prevent the seeds from maturing. When mowing it make sure
that the pieces are disposed properly because it is said that these seeds can come up after 7 to 8 years.
It is often said by ecology consultant that it is difficult to get rid of giant hogweed because it produces
more than 20,000 seeds. It has also been reported that the individual plants produce more than 100,000
seeds. It has a rapid reproductive nature. Moreover the seeds of individual plants remain for more than
12 years which means that even a single seed can cause a great expansion in population.
Below mentioned are a few precautions that one should take while removing Giant Hogweed:
• The person involved in process of removing should wear protective and water-resistant clothing
that covers maximum part of body.
• These clothing include wearing glove, goggles, safety boots and a shield to protect face.
• Do not let the liquid touch your skin.
• Remove the heads of the flowers. This will prevent the growth of seeds.
• The roots of these plants are 8 to 12 centimeters below the soil surface, so make sure you break
them accordingly.
• Dispose the parts of the plants in garbage bags and then seal it. Leave the bag in the exposure of
sun for around 4-5 weeks. This will destroy both the roots and seeds completely.
2. • Send these bags to landfill.
• Use a proper pesticide and then spray it on the roots.
• Visit the site time and again and see if any new growth has taken place.
• After completing the process of mowing make sure that the clothes and devices used are
disposed in proper way.
During the process if one feels that in spite of taking precautions he has been exposed to Giant
Hogweed then immediately seek medical attention and clean the effective area thoroughly. Avoid going
in sunlight as this increases burning.