Where is giant hogweed found in UK?

Posted on by Muna Meyer

Where is giant hogweed found in UK?

Toxic giant hogweed is spreading in the North East as people are warned about the dangerous plant. A map created by Whatshed.co.uk shows ‘Britain’s most dangerous’ plant can be found in areas of Northumberland,North Tyneside, Newcastle,Gateshead and County Durham.

Should I report giant hogweed UK?

There are no regulations stating that you need to notify anyone Giant Hogweed is growing on your land. In 2013 the UK government decreed that anyone failing to control Giant Hogweed (and other invasive weeds) could receive an anti-social behaviour order. It will be seen as committing a criminal offence.

How can you tell hogweed UK?

The Woodland Trust outlines the appearance of Giant Hogweed so that you can better identify the dangerous plant:

  1. Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs.
  2. Leaves: the leaves are huge, and can measure up to 1.5m wide and 3m long, and are often divided into smaller leaflets.

Where do you find giant hogweed?

It is native to the Caucasus Mountains and Southwest Asia, and was brought to the United States for use as an ornamental plant around 1917, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Giant hogweed can be found along roadsides and streams and in fields and forests.

How do I get rid of giant hogweed UK?

Giant hogweed is a resilient plant and cannot be eradicated by just cutting it down. You must destroy its root either by digging it up, breaking it up with a spade or sharp trowel, or pouring strong weed killer over the root.

What should I do if I find giant hogweed?

Don’t touch giant hogweed as the sap can cause painful burns and make your skin sensitive to strong sunlight. If you’re affected by it, wash the area with soapy water and contact your doctor for advice.

What should you do if exposed to giant hogweed?

What to do if you are Exposed to Giant Hogweed

  1. Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and COLD water as soon as possible.
  2. Keep exposed area away from sunlight for 48 hours.
  3. If a reaction occurs, topical steroids applied early can reduce the severity of the reaction and ease discomfort.

How do you get rid of common hogweed UK?

Giant hogweed can be effectively controlled with a glyphosate-based herbicide. This herbicide is most effective if applied in spring (mid-May) when the leaves have developed and the plants are still easily accessible.

How can you tell if a plant is giant hogweed?

Giant Hogweed Identification

  1. White flowers with 50-150 flower rays clustered into an umbrella shaped flower cluster up to 2.5 feet across.
  2. Between 7 and 14 feet tall (depending upon growth stage)
  3. Huge leaves, incised and deeply lobed up to 5 feet across.

How can you tell if you have giant hogweed?

The main stem of giant hogweed is strong and hollow. It is 4 to 10 cm in diameter. It is covered with rough white hairs scattered all over the stem but mostly at the base of the leaf stalk. It has extensive and prominent reddish-purple blotches.

Is giant hogweed spreading?

With their tremendous growth, large leaf area and prolific seed production, giant hogweed plants are able to out compete and replace native vegetation. Once the plants become more prevalent they are able to spread throughout a variety of habitats.