Even a tiny amount of the sap in the eyes can cause temporary to permanent blindness. Giant hogweed is a member of the parsley or carrot family and was first introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-poisonous-plants-found-in-canada.html The Giant Hogweed is a member of the Apiaceae family and is native to Central Asia. In Alberta, as with many other provinces, Giant Hogweed is being confused with its smaller and less toxic cousin – Cow Parsnip. 02. Workplace BC: Toxic Plant, If you should come into contact with the sap from a Giant Hogweed plant, below is a link with information regarding the medical treatment. Hydrofluoric Acid and Calcium Gluconate Gel, 25. It is an invasive, alien plant that originates from the Caucasus Mountains in west central Asia where it grows in subalpine meadows and forest edges. This family includes some well-known plants such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander. Giant hogweed - brought to England from Asia in the 19th century - is a relative of native cow parsley that grows up to 23ft high. At first the skin will turn red and become itchy: then once the skin is exposed to sunlight or UV rays the sap will cause deep blisters. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a plant in the Apiaceae family (previously known as the Umbelliferae). The flowers are large umbrella-shaped cluster of small white flowers that closely resemble the wildflower Queen Anne’s Lace (also invasive in North America). © 2020. The flowers are white and held in umbels, (flat-topped clusters, like those of carrots or cow parsley), with all the flowers in the umbel facing upwards. Giant Hogweed was originally introduced to North America as an ornamental plant; however in some parts of North America this plant has escaped cultivation. Giant hogweed (H. mantegazzianum) is native to the Caucasus but is considered an invasive species in many areas outside its native range. There are currently no confirmed cases of giant hogweed in Calgary, but this invasive plant is a weed of serious concern in British Columbia, Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces. To summarize, field researchers need to know what the Giant Hogweed plant looks like and take measures to not come into contact with this plant. It is a garden ornamental from southwest Asia that is naturalizing in North America and becoming more common in southern and central Ontario. The leaves and flowers are very similar to that of cow parsley and the identification of Giant Hogweed is often confused for it. It has thick hollow stems and large lobed leaves. This has raised local public concerns and interest in the plant. Giant Hogweed is suspected in the Yukon. Giant hogweed is susceptible to systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate and triclopyr. The Giant Hogweed plant is found in many provinces and in many States. There are currently no confirmed cases of giant hogweed in Calgary, but this invasive plant is a weed of serious concern in British Columbia, Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an umbellifer (member of the cow-parsley family), and its flowering stems are typically 2-3 m in height bearing flower heads up to 80cm across. Media stories on giant hogweed have drawn attention to this invasive plant and the fact that it can cause skin irritation, blistering and burning upon contact. Giant hogweed typically grows to heights of 2 to 5 m (6 ft 7 in to 16 ft 5 in). This plant is now restricted in all provinces across Canada. The plant grows to impressive heights. The application of these herbicides is considered effective and cost efficient and can be used for the control of a single plant or large stands of giant hogweed. The leaves are incised and deeply lobed. Visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Giant Hogweed Identification site for more information on the differences in giant hogweed and cow parsnip. Giant Hogweed is suspected in the Yukon. These blisters can form black or purplish scars that can last for several years. Below are some useful sites on what the plant looks like and how to recognize the giant hogweed plant from other plants that appear similar: The next link shows how the BC government is trying to control the spread of Giant Hogweed in the Lower Mainland areas. It is not present (yet), in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, North West Territories, and Nunavut. Positive sightings can be reported to 311 or 403-268-CITY (2489) if calling from outside Calgary., Learn more about common pests in Calgary. A mature plant has huge leaves, between 1–1.5 m (3 ft 3 in–4 ft 11 in) wide, and a stout, bright green stem with extensive dark reddish-purple splotches and prominent coarse white hairs, especially at the base of the leafstalk. Wild parsnip is the only one with a yellow flower, however cow parsnip is equally noxious when it comes into contact with the skin and giant hogweed is considerably worse. Official web site of The City of Calgary, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Giant hogweed is also much larger than cow parsnip - it can grow to be several metres tall. Risk Management and Hazard Assessment, 08. It's called giant hogweed and it doesn't play nice with humans. Large colonies of giant hogweed shade out and eventually exclude the shorter native plants with the resultant loss of dependant insects and other animals. Giant hogweed looks extremely similar to another plant species found in Calgary - cow parsnip. It invades old fields and native habitats such as open woodlands. It does not reproduce by vegetative means, e.g. Giant Hogweed is a dangerous. plant. Each leaflet is deeply grooved or divided. Driving University of Alberta vehicles. It was used as an ornamental garden plant and its seeds were used in cooking. A single plant germinating from a single seed could start a significant invasion. Giant Hogweed is suspected in the Yukon. Giant hogweed has the potential to spread readily and grows along roadsides, ditches and streams. Giant hogweed is much larger (up to 5 m high, as opposed to up to 3 m maximum), the leaves are more deeply lobed, and the leaf edges are more sharply serrated. Get Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and information on closures, cancellations and service changes. Waste Disposal for Broken Glass & Sharps, 32. To date, all reports have been identified as cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), a common native plant species. The Giant Hogweed plant has also been relocated to many other countries so researchers can expect to find this plant worldwide. Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum is considered a noxious weed by the federal government. In Alberta, as with many other provinces, Giant Hogweed is being confused with its smaller and less toxic cousin – Cow Parsnip. Description Grows up to 6 meters or more. According to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, all plants reported in Alberta to date have proven to be cow parsnip. https://www.invasiveweedsolutions.co.uk/.../non-native/giant-hogweed It is not present (yet), in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, North West Territories, and Nunavut. Giant hogweed can grow to more than 4 metres tall, with flower umbels that can reach 2 feet in diameter. Large flower (up to 75 cm wide) with 50 or more flower stems or rays. Injuries Incidents & Reporting Procedures, 09. It's part of the carrot family, but it can grow up to 14 feet tall. The plant has moved into Ontario and British Columbia at this time and recent media stories have raised local public concerns and interest in the plant. The main difference is the height and the fact that it can cause serious burns to the skin. The sap from all parts of the Giant Hogweed causes a phytophotodermatitis affect when the sap gets onto your skin. Link to Youtube, Giant Hogweed Identification and Comparison with Cow Parsnip A couple of key features can be used in differentiating the two. Here is some information to assist you in accurately identifying cow parsnip and giant hogweed. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a non-native invasive plant species that can grow abundantly along a range of habitat types, notably the banks of rivers and streams and some road corridors. Researchers need to know what this plant looks like and how to identify Giant Hogweed when they are working in the field. Giant hogweed is native to the Caucasus and was introduced to North America. That striking plant can attain a height of 4 metres (about 13 feet) and has a stout red-spotted stem and a white inflorescence up to 0.5 metre in diameter. Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, which has been featured recently in national media reports, is one of the new invasive alien plants designated as Prohibited Noxious under Alberta’s newly revised Weed Control Act. Under ideal conditions, a plant can reach a height of 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in). It is not present (yet), in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, North West Territories, and Nunavut. It is an invasive, alien plant that originates from the Caucasus Mountains in west central Asia where it grows in subalpine meadows and forest edges. Hollow, ridged stems vary from 3–8 cm (1–3 in) in diameter, occasionally up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter and ca… Lab Closeout or Lab Renovation Procedures, 13. What is giant hogweed? Giant Hogweed is a highly competitive plant that substantially reduces the amount of suitable habitat available for native plants and wildlife. Wear the Appropriate Safety Equipment for the Job at Hand, 21. Thanks very much folks for your reports. Stems are green with ridges and fine fuzzy white hairs. from fragments of root or stem. Virginia Tech researchers who helped identify the dangerous Giant Hogweed plants in Clarke County, Virginia, want residents to stay on the lookout for the plant with toxic sap that can cause severe burns — but also stressed that the weeds are believed to have been planted intentionally decades ago and haven’t spread in the years since. Nature Conservancy of Canada is urging people to be on the lookout for giant hogweed. In Alberta, as with many other provinces, Giant Hogweed is being confused with its smaller and less toxic cousin – Cow Parsnip. Do not touch any plant suspected to be giant hogweed, as contact with it can cause burning of the skin, as well as other complications. Giant hogweed is often confused with cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), a very common native in Alberta. Aside from its immense size, giant hogweed is also distinguished by its stout, dark reddish stem that can grow 5 cm to 10 cm in diameter. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese file photo Canadians are … The flower heads can be as large as 60cm (2ft) across. Giant hogweed can be a health hazard to humans and animals What does giant hogweed look like? Seed bank and dispersal After falling from the parent plant, the seeds accumulate and mature in the soil. Leaf stalks are spotted and produce a compound leaf that can expand to 1.5 met ers across. Giant hogweed occurs in the following Canadian provinces: Because of the significant Human Health Risk researchers should be aware of this plant and how to recognize it. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a perennial plant and a member of the carrot family. Stems have prominent purple blister-like pustules on the stems. Taxonomically, it is a member of the family Apiaceae (carrots/umbellifers), and is native to the Caucasus and Central Asia. Giant Hogweed First Aid treatment. Additional Information & Resource Library. The City is actively monitoring for giant hogweed. The lower leaves are often 1m more in size and distinctively spiky. Stems also differ in that giant hogweed has purple spots and stiff bristles, compared to cow parsnip’s few purple areas, deep ridges, and fuzzy hairs. Giant hogweed can be a health hazard to humans and animals. The Nature Conservancy of Canada says giant hogweed is one of Canada’s most dangerous plants. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), is a tall, cow parsley -like plant with thick bristly stems that are often purple-blotched. Below are two links to information about Giant Hogweed. The stems are covered with reddish-purple flecks and stiff hairs filled with sap. ~ Giant hogweed is a good competitor as its leaves grow early in the season and it shades out lower growing species. Office of Environmental Health & Safety, 06. Similar-looking cow parsnip does not burn the skin but can cause mild skin irritation in some cases. Wild parsnip is often confused with similar-looking giant hogweed, cow parsnip, Queen Anne’s lace and angelica. Where ever Giant Hogweed is identified, it should be reported to local authorities so it can be removed before it begins to spread. Giant Hogweed was introduced to the UK in the early 19th Century. Giant Hogweed relies solely on seeds for reproduction and spread. In summer, Giant Hogweed can reach a height of 5 metres. It is highly recommended to review the information on the giant hogweed to confirm a positive sighting in Calgary. Giant hogweed is a member of the parsley or carrot family and was first introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. Walkers who may brush against it, or gardeners who may unwittingly strim the plant getting the sap on themselves. This site is useful in that you will need suitable safety gear to protect yourself if you attempt to remove this plant. How to identify giant hogweed: Giant hogweed certainly lives up to its name, growing 3 to 4 metres … Giant Hogweed has been confirmed in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. These systemic herbicides will be absorbed by the leaves and will move into the root to prevent regrowth the following year. Plants can grow as high as two to five and a half metres (15 to 18 feet). Flower is less than 30 cm wide with only 15-30 flower stems or rays. … We have been receiving many reports of giant hogweed in the area. 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