In fact giant hogweed has been around for over 100 years since being introduced to the UK from Asia. Giant Hogweed - The sap of Giant Hogweed contains toxic chemicals. We are treating Giant hogweed using the safest and most effective way, which is to treat the emerging leaves with herbicide (Glyphosate) in springtime. Giant hogweed, if encountered in the wild, should be left alone, according to Cam Linwood, with the GRCA. Removing Giant Hogweed. Flowers: It has numerous groups of small, white flowers arranged in large (20-50cm in diameter), flat-topped, umbrella-like clusters (umbels).Plants only flower after a year or more of growth. Our services are independently audited by PCA on an ongoing basis to verify the quality of … Giant Hogweed was the priority due to its high risk to public health. Worth knowing… The smaller, native hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium, is often confused for giant hogweed. The sap is phototoxic and can cause phytophotodermatitis. Don't try to remove Giant Hogweed yourself. H. mantegazzianum is also known as cartwheel-flower, giant cow parsley, giant cow parsnip, or hogsbane.In New Zealand, it is also sometimes called wild parsnip (not to be confused with Pastinaca sativa) or wild rhubarb. The disposal of giant hogweed is controlled and you must meet the statutory requirements. Stem: Tall (2-5 m), with reddish-purple blotches along the stem. When giant hogweed (GH) sap, which contains photosensitizing furanocoumarins, contacts human skin in conjunction with sunlight, it can cause phytophotodermatitis - a serious skin inflammation. Giant Hogweed growing on the banks of the River Medway, Tonbridge. These toxins are found in high concentrations in the leaves and roots, but it is generally the clear, watery sap that makes contact with a horse’s skin. Contact with giant hogweed sap, combined with exposure to light, causes pain and skin lesions similar to burns. Giant Hogweed is a very large and distinctive plant, which you can’t miss due to its cow-parsley- like appearance. Heracleum mantegazzianum. Giant hogweed bud and flower Long handled cutting equipment is advised – this allows you to keep a safe distance from the plant and any sap splatters as you cut it. Make sure you cover your hands and eyes. Symptoms include erythema, edema, blisters (vesicles and/or bullae), and delayed hyperpigmentation. We offer Giant Hogweed removal and invasive weed management across UK. Last week, I was in Eastern Europe and got into Giant Hogweed (Heracleum Mantegazzium). Giant hogweed material is classed as a controlled waste so, if it is taken off site, it can only be disposed of in licensed landfill sites with the required documentation. Probably a hogweed of some description and any of them will cause photosensitivity but Heracleum mantegazzianum are fairly uncommon. Don't touch the plant and keep children away. It's part of the carrot family, but it can grow up to 14 feet tall. Control of Giant hogweed needs to be undertaken with great care, due to its potential health hazards. When treating or excavating Giant hogweed, our operatives wear full PPE to avoid accidental contact with the plant. When you get the sap on your skin and get into sunlight, large itchy blisters form. Click to play the video below and watch our expert, a founder member of the Invasive Weed Control Group and PCA training lecturer, Professor Max Wade from AECOM teach you on how to get to grips with Giant Hogweed and strategies for surveying and treating the invasive plant.. UPDATE – Following my initial blog post on 14 July 2015, I received a lot of questions asking for more detail on the recognition of Giant Hogweed, so have updated the photos and added further information. Now Mr Duddy has claimed it is high-time the toxic plant was wiped out from British shores. 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