There are currently no confirmed cases of giant hogweed in Calgary, but this invasive plant is a weed of serious concern in British Columbia, Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces. We have been receiving many reports of giant hogweed in the area. Giant hogweed typically grows to heights of 2 to 5 m (6 ft 7 in to 16 ft 5 in). It is an invasive, alien plant that originates from the Caucasus Mountains in west central Asia where it grows in subalpine meadows and forest edges. What is giant hogweed? Giant hogweed is often confused with cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum), a very common native in Alberta. Giant Hogweed is suspected in the Yukon. Seed bank and dispersal After falling from the parent plant, the seeds accumulate and mature in the soil. Wild parsnip is often confused with similar-looking giant hogweed, cow parsnip, Queen Anne’s lace and angelica. In Alberta, as with many other provinces, Giant Hogweed is being confused with its smaller and less toxic cousin – Cow Parsnip. The main difference is the height and the fact that it can cause serious burns to the skin. These systemic herbicides will be absorbed by the leaves and will move into the root to prevent regrowth the following year. Positive sightings can be reported to 311 or 403-268-CITY (2489) if calling from outside Calgary., Learn more about common pests in Calgary. The lower leaves are often 1m more in size and distinctively spiky. It is not present (yet), in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, North West Territories, and Nunavut. Driving University of Alberta vehicles. The flowers are large umbrella-shaped cluster of small white flowers that closely resemble the wildflower Queen Anne’s Lace (also invasive in North America). Get Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and information on closures, cancellations and service changes. Hollow, ridged stems vary from 3–8 cm (1–3 in) in diameter, occasionally up to 10 cm (4 in) in diameter and ca… This family includes some well-known plants such as parsley, carrot, parsnip, cumin and coriander. Description Grows up to 6 meters or more. The City is actively monitoring for giant hogweed. Taxonomically, it is a member of the family Apiaceae (carrots/umbellifers), and is native to the Caucasus and Central Asia. The plant has moved into Ontario and British Columbia at this time and recent media stories have raised local public concerns and interest in the plant. Giant hogweed - brought to England from Asia in the 19th century - is a relative of native cow parsley that grows up to 23ft high. To date, all reports have been identified as cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), a common native plant species. Plants can grow as high as two to five and a half metres (15 to 18 feet). Stems have prominent purple blister-like pustules on the stems. Giant hogweed looks extremely similar to another plant species found in Calgary - cow parsnip. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), is a tall, cow parsley -like plant with thick bristly stems that are often purple-blotched. Do not touch any plant suspected to be giant hogweed, as contact with it can cause burning of the skin, as well as other complications. Giant hogweed is a member of the parsley or carrot family and was first introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. It is not present (yet), in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, North West Territories, and Nunavut. Stems are green with ridges and fine fuzzy white hairs. Giant hogweed is a member of the parsley or carrot family and was first introduced to North America as a garden ornamental. A couple of key features can be used in differentiating the two. from fragments of root or stem. These blisters can form black or purplish scars that can last for several years. Nature Conservancy of Canada is urging people to be on the lookout for giant hogweed. It is an invasive, alien plant that originates from the Caucasus Mountains in west central Asia where it grows in subalpine meadows and forest edges. Giant hogweed can reach a height of 20 feet and have a stalk diameter of one to three inches while cow parsnip generally is five to eight feet high and has a stalk diameter of one to two inches. The leaves are incised and deeply lobed. Under ideal conditions, a plant can reach a height of 5.5 m (18 ft 1 in). Walkers who may brush against it, or gardeners who may unwittingly strim the plant getting the sap on themselves. Here is some information to assist you in accurately identifying cow parsnip and giant hogweed. Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum is considered a noxious weed by the federal government. Giant Hogweed was originally introduced to North America as an ornamental plant; however in some parts of North America this plant has escaped cultivation. It is not present (yet), in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, PEI, North West Territories, and Nunavut. Giant Hogweed is mainly a danger for children who may well use the long stems to play with as swords, pea shooters or telescopes. Each leaflet is deeply grooved or divided. Below are two links to information about Giant Hogweed. Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, which has been featured recently in national media reports, is one of the new invasive alien plants designated as Prohibited Noxious under Alberta’s newly revised Weed Control Act. Lab Closeout or Lab Renovation Procedures, 13. In summer, Giant Hogweed can reach a height of 5 metres. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese file photo Canadians are … Office of Environmental Health & Safety, 06. Link to Youtube, Giant Hogweed Identification and Comparison with Cow Parsnip A single plant germinating from a single seed could start a significant invasion. Wear the Appropriate Safety Equipment for the Job at Hand, 21. https://www.invasiveweedsolutions.co.uk/.../non-native/giant-hogweed Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a perennial plant and a member of the carrot family. It's part of the carrot family, but it can grow up to 14 feet tall. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/10-poisonous-plants-found-in-canada.html The application of these herbicides is considered effective and cost efficient and can be used for the control of a single plant or large stands of giant hogweed. There are currently no confirmed cases of giant hogweed in Calgary, but this invasive plant is a weed of serious concern in British Columbia, Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces. The Nature Conservancy of Canada says giant hogweed is one of Canada’s most dangerous plants. Similar-looking cow parsnip does not burn the skin but can cause mild skin irritation in some cases. Flower is less than 30 cm wide with only 15-30 flower stems or rays. Additional Information & Resource Library. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a non-native invasive plant species that can grow abundantly along a range of habitat types, notably the banks of rivers and streams and some road corridors. This plant is now restricted in all provinces across Canada. How to identify giant hogweed: Giant hogweed certainly lives up to its name, growing 3 to 4 metres … It is highly recommended to review the information on the giant hogweed to confirm a positive sighting in Calgary. Giant hogweed occurs in the following Canadian provinces: Giant hogweed (H. mantegazzianum) is native to the Caucasus but is considered an invasive species in many areas outside its native range. Giant Hogweed is a dangerous. Virginia Tech researchers who helped identify the dangerous Giant Hogweed plants in Clarke County, Virginia, want residents to stay on the lookout for the plant with toxic sap that can cause severe burns — but also stressed that the weeds are believed to have been planted intentionally decades ago and haven’t spread in the years since. Giant Hogweed is suspected in the Yukon. … The leaves and flowers are very similar to that of cow parsley and the identification of Giant Hogweed is often confused for it. The plant grows to impressive heights. Stems also differ in that giant hogweed has purple spots and stiff bristles, compared to cow parsnip’s few purple areas, deep ridges, and fuzzy hairs. Waste Disposal for Broken Glass & Sharps, 32. Below are some useful sites on what the plant looks like and how to recognize the giant hogweed plant from other plants that appear similar: The next link shows how the BC government is trying to control the spread of Giant Hogweed in the Lower Mainland areas. Giant hogweed is also much larger than cow parsnip - it can grow to be several metres tall. At first the skin will turn red and become itchy: then once the skin is exposed to sunlight or UV rays the sap will cause deep blisters. In Alberta, as with many other provinces, Giant Hogweed is being confused with its smaller and less toxic cousin – Cow Parsnip. © 2020. Giant hogweed can be a health hazard to humans and animals. Risk Management and Hazard Assessment, 08. Because of the significant Human Health Risk researchers should be aware of this plant and how to recognize it. Large flower (up to 75 cm wide) with 50 or more flower stems or rays. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an umbellifer (member of the cow-parsley family), and its flowering stems are typically 2-3 m in height bearing flower heads up to 80cm across. Leaf stalks are spotted and produce a compound leaf that can expand to 1.5 met ers across. Giant hogweed is much larger (up to 5 m high, as opposed to up to 3 m maximum), the leaves are more deeply lobed, and the leaf edges are more sharply serrated. Giant Hogweed is an invasive weed species that can cause skin irritation, blistering and burning upon contact. This has raised local public concerns and interest in the plant. Hydrofluoric Acid and Calcium Gluconate Gel, 25. It's called giant hogweed and it doesn't play nice with humans. To summarize, field researchers need to know what the Giant Hogweed plant looks like and take measures to not come into contact with this plant. Aside from its immense size, giant hogweed is also distinguished by its stout, dark reddish stem that can grow 5 cm to 10 cm in diameter. Giant Hogweed was introduced to the UK in the early 19th Century. The Giant Hogweed is a member of the Apiaceae family and is native to Central Asia. Giant Hogweed relies solely on seeds for reproduction and spread. This site is useful in that you will need suitable safety gear to protect yourself if you attempt to remove this plant. Workplace BC: Toxic Plant, If you should come into contact with the sap from a Giant Hogweed plant, below is a link with information regarding the medical treatment. The Giant Hogweed plant has also been relocated to many other countries so researchers can expect to find this plant worldwide. Giant hogweed has the potential to spread readily and grows along roadsides, ditches and streams. It has thick hollow stems and large lobed leaves. It invades old fields and native habitats such as open woodlands. The flower heads can be as large as 60cm (2ft) across. Where ever Giant Hogweed is identified, it should be reported to local authorities so it can be removed before it begins to spread. Giant Hogweed is a highly competitive plant that substantially reduces the amount of suitable habitat available for native plants and wildlife. The flowers are white and held in umbels, (flat-topped clusters, like those of carrots or cow parsley), with all the flowers in the umbel facing upwards. Media stories on giant hogweed have drawn attention to this invasive plant and the fact that it can cause skin irritation, blistering and burning upon contact. The sap from all parts of the Giant Hogweed causes a phytophotodermatitis affect when the sap gets onto your skin. Giant hogweed is susceptible to systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate and triclopyr. Injuries Incidents & Reporting Procedures, 09. Giant hogweed can be a health hazard to humans and animals What does giant hogweed look like? A mature plant has huge leaves, between 1–1.5 m (3 ft 3 in–4 ft 11 in) wide, and a stout, bright green stem with extensive dark reddish-purple splotches and prominent coarse white hairs, especially at the base of the leafstalk. Even a tiny amount of the sap in the eyes can cause temporary to permanent blindness. It is a garden ornamental from southwest Asia that is naturalizing in North America and becoming more common in southern and central Ontario. It was used as an ornamental garden plant and its seeds were used in cooking. ~ Giant hogweed is a good competitor as its leaves grow early in the season and it shades out lower growing species. Visit the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Giant Hogweed Identification site for more information on the differences in giant hogweed and cow parsnip. Researchers need to know what this plant looks like and how to identify Giant Hogweed when they are working in the field. The Giant Hogweed plant is found in many provinces and in many States. Official web site of The City of Calgary, located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It does not reproduce by vegetative means, e.g. That striking plant can attain a height of 4 metres (about 13 feet) and has a stout red-spotted stem and a white inflorescence up to 0.5 metre in diameter. Giant hogweed is native to the Caucasus and was introduced to North America. 02. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a plant in the Apiaceae family (previously known as the Umbelliferae). According to Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, all plants reported in Alberta to date have proven to be cow parsnip. Giant Hogweed First Aid treatment. Large colonies of giant hogweed shade out and eventually exclude the shorter native plants with the resultant loss of dependant insects and other animals. Giant Hogweed has been confirmed in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador. plant. 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