July 20th, 2018 by
Giant hogweed isn’t that well-known outside of gardening circles, but it’s extremely common and poses a serious health risk to anyone spending time outdoors, particularly gardeners, hikers, and landscapers. So, what is giant hogweed, and why is it so dangerous?
What is Giant Hogweed?
Giant hogweed is a very common and highly invasive weed. It’s found all over the world, especially in areas with more temperate climates like the UK.
What Does Giant Hogweed Look Like?
Not the thick, bristly stems and cluster of white flowers Giant hogweed is actually quite a pretty plant, but that pretty face hides a highly dangerous secret! They grow in tall, thick stems topped with bunches of dainty white flowers. The stems are often covered in bristles and purple blotches. Giant hogweed plants have been known to grow to over 11 feet in height!
Where Will You Find Giant Hogweed?
Giant hogweed is widespread across woodlands and fields. If you’ve spent any time out walking, you’ve probably seen plenty of it without even realising. As it’s such an aggressively invasive weed, giant hogweed also commonly grows in gardens.
Why is Giant Hogweed Dangerous?
Giant hogweed can cause skin to blister and burn Giant hogweed sap can cause severe burns, although it’s not actually the sap itself that burns you. Chemicals in the sap can cause your skin to become extremely sensitive to sunlight (a condition known as photodermatitis), meaning your skin will burn, blister, and sometimes even permanently scar. In some cases, this can lead to severe third-degree burns. If the sap comes into contact with your eyes, it can lead to blindness. As the giant hogweed sap itself isn’t what causes the burns, it can be difficult to treat. Photodermatitis can take months to clear up, meaning sufferers often need to stay indoors for up to six months. After this time, sufferers can go outdoors, although they could still experience increased sensitivity to sunlight for years and so have to wear extra sun cream and cover up on sunny days.
Is it Illegal to Let Giant Hogweed Grow?
No, although it is illegal to deliberately spread it in the wild. Councils will usually remove it from public areas wherever they find it, although giant hogweed is so common it’s impossible for them to catch it all. In certain circumstances, councils can request you remove giant hogweed from your garden under threat of an Anti-Social Behaviour Order, so it’s best you get rid of it before it starts to pose a threat to you and your neighbours.
How to Get Rid of Giant Hogweed Without Chemical Controls
Pull hogweed up while the plant is still young At this point, it’s important to re-state just how serious giant hogweed burns can be. Under no circumstances should you ever try to tackle giant hogweed without first covering up your hands, arms, legs, and especially your face. Don’t forget that the dangerous sap can contaminate your clothing, too, so always put the clothes you’re wearing straight in the wash after you’re finished working. You should pull up young weeds in your garden before they grow to their full height. It’s best to do this in May as the plant won’t have flowered then and the soil will probably be nice and moist. Make sure you get all the roots out of the ground and dispose of the plant safely. Giant hogweed is classed as controlled waste, so you’ll need to dispose of it yourself by composting or burning it, or by taking it to a licensed landfill site.
How to Get Rid of Giant Hogweed with Chemical Controls
Glyphosate 360 weedkiller Using some weedkiller is usually the best way to get rid of giant hogweed as you won’t have to physically touch the plant. Make sure you pick up some weedkiller that’s based on glyphosates, such as Gallup 360 or Rosate 360. Glyphosate weedkillers are vital for dealing with giant hogweed as they’ll not only kill the flowers and stem but also the roots of the weed, stopping it from growing back. While both of these weedkillers are biodegradable, they are non-selective, meaning they’ll kill any plant they come across. Be careful when you’re spraying or watering the weedkiller on if there are other plants around the weeds.
How to Treat Giant Hogweed Burns
Unfortunately, with giant hogweed, by the time you actually start to show symptoms of burns, it’s usually too late. The best approach is to rinse the sap off with clean, cold water as soon as you notice it. If possible try and keep the affected area out of direct sunlight for a couple of days. If you start to notice a reaction, such as your skin peeling or blistering, see your doctor as soon as you can.
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