⚠️ DO NOT TOUCH THIS PLANT! ⚠️
This is giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a non-native invasive species that can be found around the UK, if you ever come across it, stay well away! Just brushing against this harmful plant can have horrible consequences. Its sap reacts with sunlight leading to extremely painful burns, and to make things worse the side effects can recur for years!
Its favoured position is near streams, rivers, canals and roadside verges. Here’s what to look out for:
- It’s pretty big when fully grown, reaching heights of around 1.5m to 5m.
- Established plants have leaves that are jagged and deeply divided.
- Stems tend to have purple blotches and are usually covered in white bristles.
- Flower clusters can appear during June and July, they’re white and form large umbrella shaped flower heads.
If you think contact has been made:
Shield from sunlight and thoroughly wash the area as soon as possible, this applies to animals too. Be sure to seek further medical advice.
If you think you’ve seen giant hogweed:
Try to report any possible sightings to your local council, this can help to stop its spread and save others from harm. Take photos from afar and note its location, the app What3Words is useful for showing exact locations.
📸 Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, Flickr.
