The photo above shows Giant Hogweed on the right in comparison to our native Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) on the left.

Giant Hogweed facts:

• Perennial – grows 5-7m.
• Member of parsley family.
• Arrived in UK 1893 from Caucasus.
• Sap causes serious rashes when skin exposed to sunlight. Can cause blindness.
• Can be controlled by spraying, grazing, cutting or digging- up.
• Spraying with Glyphosphate (Round Up) is a successful treatment.
• Spread by rivers and seeds last 3 or more years

For more details on Giant Hogweed, please see here.