Giant Hogweed - this monster of a weed is spreading. Do you know how to identify it?

The following site is an excellent tool to identify Giant Hogweed (one of the best sites I've seen).  There are comparison charts of similar looking plants as well.   Giant hogweed identification:
http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/72766.html

Comparison photos of Queen Anne's Lace and Giant Hogweed:
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/cipwg/hogweedLookalikes/HogweedLookAlike_WEB/QAL.htm

The following link provides a map of north America, shaded portions indicate where Giant Hogweed has been confirmed:  http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=hema17

This link shows what contact with any portion of the plant can do to a human: http://www.hometalk.com/1706763/hogweed

Rosemary and Thyme and Hogweed

A few years ago I watched a British mystery program called Rosemary and Thyme.  It appeals to me on many levels.  One, it is British.  Two, it is a mystery.  And three, gardening is a major theme throughout.  

My friend Kim sent me the link to the above episode, which is the first in the television series and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to share it with you as well.  This episode deals with hogweed, a toxic giant of a weed that has become a problem here as well as in Britain.  I blogged about Giant Hogweed - Like Something Out of a Science Fiction Movie and Giant Hogweed on the Spread.  Seeing this program was a rather interesting way of bringing to life a topic I had researched almost two years ago.  It's a pity it is so aggressive as I can see why it was introduced to our country by someone who thought it was an impressive addition to their garden.  It is rather striking but don't let looks fool you.  

I hope you enjoy this program as much as I did.  You get to learn a little too, which is always an advantage in the gardening world.

PS  I saw an enormous rabbit in my back yard today and its fur was turning brown in patches on its back.  A sure sign spring is on the way.  Photos to follow soon.

Giant Hogweed on the Spread

Giant hogweed found in Richmond Hill. Tracey Steele,
Richmond Hill's manager of natural heritage and parkland
acquisitions, stand back from dangerous giant hogweed plant discovered
and destroyed last year, that grew back and had to be removed again this year.
By Adam McLean (photo courtesy of yorkregion.com)

More toxic than previously thought.....


Many of you may remember the post I wrote last year about the Giant Hogweed and its toxicity.  Now the Giant Hogweed is being blamed for increasing the risk of cancer and birth defects because the sap contains carcinogenic compounds (according to Lifestyle at Sympatico.ca) !  Over 400 plants have been recorded within a single area in Ontario.  High concentrations of Giant Hog Weed have been recorded in British Columbia, Ontario (Muskoka area, Richmond Hill and Toronto) and New York.

"If you come across giant hogweed, it’s not recommended that you remove it yourself, but anyone handling the plant is urged to wear protective clothing. A rain jacket, plus waterproof gloves and pants are considered ideal.
The highly visible plants can reach heights of five metres tall and if detected, residents should call the ministry’s invading species hotline or phone a private lawn care company."(Killer Plant Invades Canada, LIfestyle@Sympatico.ca) 

Re: Giant Hogweed

http://www.canadiangardening.com/how-to/pests-and-diseases/beware-of-giant-hogweed/a/31773?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cg_100720

I recently posted an article about Giant Hogweed and found this article on Canadian Gardening to be an excellent follow-up.  Read here about what to do should you come in contact with Giant Hogweed!

Giant Hogweed Like Something Out of a Science Fiction Movie

It's like something straight out of science fiction!  A larger than life weed that can burn or blind those who encounter the sap of this hogweed.  Beware this weed is spreading across the country. 

CTV News and Global News both recently ran pieces about this plant.  It looks a bit like a giant lady's mantle but this weed grows upwards of 20 feet and its flower head can reach a metre (just over three feet) across.  It is an attractive plant with purple markings on the stem.  Stay clear if you sight this and tell your local municipality of its location.  Hogweed has been found on Vancouver Island, Toronto and Ottawa area, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador.  It grows in wasteland and ditches.  Flowering only once in its lifespan, between June to August.

http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20100711/hogweed-100711?hub=MSNHome

http://news.sympatico.ctv.ca/home/contentposting?feedname=CTV-TOPSTORIES_V3&showbyline=True&date=true&newsitemid=CTVNews%2f20100714%2fgiant-hogweed-100714

Become informed and beware of this giant hogweed.