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Last Reviewed July 26 2010

Arrow BulletEnvironmental Health: Giant Hogweed


What is Giant Hogweed?

  • Giant Hogweed is an invasive plant that looks similar to cow parsnip.
  • The plant can reach a height of approximately 15 to 20 feet.
  • The plant has hollow stems with dark reddish-purple splotches and coarse white hair.
  • The leaves of the plant can grow up to five feet in width and have hairs on the underside.
  • The plant also produces flattened oval shaped fruit and in the summer, small white flowers form.

Giant Hogwood imagesGiant Hogwood images
Giant Hogwood imagesGiant Hogwood images

Photos courtesy of
http://www.coquitlam.ca/Residents/Public+Safety/
Health+Safety/Giant+Hogweed.htm

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Where has the plant been found?

  • Giant Hogweed has been found in all three area municipalities in Peel.
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Is Giant Hogweed a risk to human health?

  • Yes.
  • A clear and watery sap is found in the stem and hairs of Giant Hogweed. Contact with the sap can cause a skin reaction whereby skin becomes sensitive to the ultraviolet light in sun light.
  • Reactions can occur up to 48 hours after contact, and sensitivity can lead to painful blisters and burns.
  • Blisters can lead to pigmented purple and black scars that may last for long periods.
  • In addition, contact with the eyes can cause temporary and sometimes permanent blindness.
Giant Hogwood images

Burn caused by giant hogweed

Photo: USDA APHIS PPQ Archive, USDA APHIS PPQ, www.Bugwood.org, www.forestryimages.org.
This photo is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

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What should I do if I come in contact with Giant Hogweed?

  • Wash affected areas immediately
  • Keep the affected area out of the sun
  • Seek medical advice
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What do I do if I find Giant Hogweed in my backyard?

  1. If you suspect you have Giant Hogweed growing on your property, the Region of Peel recommends that you hire a lawn care professional to remove the plants.
  2. If you wish to remove the Giant Hogweed on your own, please adhere to the following procedures for your safety:
  • Wear protective clothing, including gloves, long sleeves, pants, and eye protection, rain coat and boots
  • Avoid getting sap on your skin
  • Immediately remove any flower heads to prevent seed growth and dispersal
  • Sever the plant roots 8 – 12 cm below the soil surface
  • Dispose of all plant parts in double-bagged garbage bags. Seal the bags and label them with the words “Giant Hogweed.” Call the Region of Peel at 905-791-9499 (or 905-584-2216 in long-distance areas) to arrange for special pick-up, free of charge.
  • DO NOT compost or put in your yard waste or green bin containers. Giant Hogweed will not be collected at the curb.
  • Return to plant site periodically to remove any new plant growth
  • Wash the clothes you wore to remove the plant afterwards
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Who should I call if I find Giant Hogweed in a park or other area?

Call Parks Department at your local area municipality.

  • City of Brampton, Parks and Recreation 905-874-2300
  • City of Mississauga, Recreation and Parks 905-615-4100
  • Town of Caledon, Parks and Trails 905-584-2272

Learn more about Giant Hogweed

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