Danes clamp down on Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) (also Finnish Kaukasianjättiputki Swedush ;Kaukasisk jättefloka )is a giant species of hogweed, and grows up to 12 feet in height. An alien species in Europe and N.America, introduced into parks and demesnes in the 19th Century as an ornamental, but now 'escaped' into the wild and spreading along most major rivers. The Danish Government is proposing to fine landowners who do not eradicate the plant.

It is large, riparian, hairy perennial herb in the Parsley Family with stout taproot of fleshy, fibrous roots; hollow green stems with purple spots; dark green, coarsely toothed leaves divided into 3 large segments; lower leaves can exceed 2.5 metres in length; small white flowers are produced in large flat-top umbrella-like terminal clusters up to 0.8 metres across. The greatest concern from giant hogweed is human health. The blister like pustules on stems and stalks exude a clear watery sap that sensitizes skin to ultraviolet radiation. Affected areas are subject to severe burns that usually result in blistering and painful dermatitis. Blisters often result in purplish to blackened scars. Giant hogweed's tenacious and invasive nature allows it to readily occupy and crowd out native vegetation. In riparian areas it forms a dense canopy, out-competing native species and causing streambank erosion.

· can produce 50,000 seeds per plant
· an escaped garden ornamental originating from Caucasus region of Asia

· Warning: small hairs on stems and leaves contain a poisonous sap that can cause severe irritation, blistering and dermatitis – very dangerous if children use the stems as peashooters.

I now discover there is a Manchester based GIANT HOGWEED SOLUTIONS contact them here

Recent blogs on same topic here