Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) was first introduced from the Caucasus Mountains as an ornamental garden plant in the 19th century but is now considered an invasive non-native species and is present throughout the UK. When fully grown it can reach heights of between 1.5 m to 5 m and have a spread of between 1 to 2 m. All parts of the plant contain chemicals called furanocoumarins which pose a risk to human health – when in contact with human skin and in the presence of sunlight, these chemicals cause severe burns and blistering. It is important not to touch any part of the plant due to the presence of these dangerous chemicals.
Help us control this damaging invasive non-native plant species by sending in your sightings. If you think you’ve seen giant hogweed or need more information, please email us at info@tweedforum.org giving your name, contact number, the exact location of the plant and the date seen. Please include a photo of the plant if possible. Remember, please don’t touch the plant!
Impacts
As well as impacting human health for those out and about in the countryside, giant hogweed out-competes native vegetation by forming dense monocultures. Giant hogweed often forms these dense monocultures along watercourses, which can leave riverbanks bare and prone to erosion in the winter months. Giant hogweed reproduces entirely by seed dispersal, with each plant capable of producing around 50,000 seeds, each of which can survive in the soil for many years.
Control of giant hogweed
Since 2003, giant hogweed has been systematically targeted right across the Tweed catchment. Every year the affected watercourses are walked, involving a huge team made up of staff, volunteers, and contractors. The results of continued control effort on giant hogweed have been very positive across the whole Tweed catchment.
Professional rope access services are enlisted to cover steep banks and islands.
Volunteer
Why not volunteer with us? You can access training, equipment and advice through the Tweed Invasives Project. To find out more contact us at info@tweedforum.org.