Garden Beware! This Common and Invasive Plant Is Very Beautiful, But It Can Also Make You Blind

Recognizing Giant Hogweed

Heracleum Mantegazzianum, commonly known as Giant Hogweed, is a plant of the Apiaceae family, also called Umbelliferae because of their umbel-shaped inflorescences. Giant Hogweed is a plant that can measure 2 and 3 meters high and which blooms in the middle of summer, between June and July, then develops fruits in autumn. It can be recognized by observing the different elements that compose it:

• Its stems are hollow and thick. They can be up to 10 cm in diameter, are spotted with red and have stiff white hairs.
• Its leaves are divided into 4 to 5 divisions. and can be very large since their wingspan can reach from 50 centimeters to 1 meter.
• Its flowers form white umbels. which can be up to 50 cm in diameter.
• Its fruits are oblong and covered with hairs.They can be up to 14 mm long and 8 mm wide.

Giant hogweed, a scourge for biodiversity

This plant was introduced as an ornamental plant in the 19th century in Eastern countries such as Georgia, Russia, the Caucasus, etc., then in England and the American continent in the 20th century. In recent years, it has arrived in France and is particularly prevalent in the north of the country.

But its spread across the territory is rapid, because it produces a large quantity of seeds, of the order of 120,000 seeds per plant, which are disseminated by the effect of the wind. Since 2017, it has been included on the European Union list of invasive plants. In fact, due to its great proliferation and size, it threatens the balance of ecosystemsbecause it suffocates other plants by depriving them of the light and nutrients they need to survive.

In France, it is the subject of an eradication campaign.

Giant hogweed, a scourge for man

What makes this plant dangerous for humans is its sap, because it contains phototoxic substances. This means that if your skin comes into contact with the sap of this plant and is then exposed to light, you will quickly feel a strong burning sensation and your skin will turn red.

The next day, as with a first-degree burn, your skin will show signs of itchy blisters on contact areas. It will take one to two weeks to get rid of these blisters, which will leave brown spots when they disappear. In case of contact with this plant, rinse your skin immediately, even if you feel like nothing is happening. If the affected area is large, or in case of contact with the eyes or mouth, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.

Our advice: Explain to your children why they should not try to make blowpipes, whistles, etc. with the hollow stems of this plant. Which can be tempting!

Protecting yourself against the dangers of giant hogweed

Have you spotted one or more giant hogweed plants in your garden? It is necessary to eliminate this or these plants to avoid any risks, but to do so, you should act cautiously.

1. Start by equipping yourself with protectionsuch as protective glasses, gloves, and covering clothing, to avoid exposing your skin to the sap.
2. After equipping yourself, you can either cut the plant at ground level or cut the roots 15 to 20 cm below the soil surface. To do this, you can use a hoe or a sharp spade. Be careful not to mechanically rub your face with your gloved hands!
3. Gather the cut parts and throw them in the bulky waste container. They cannot be composted or left in the garden.
4. Finally, clean your tools with soap and water, as well as your protective equipment.