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Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) resembles some of  Nova Scotia’s native species such as Angelica, Queen Anne’s Lace, and Cow Parsnip. However, Giant Hogweed is much larger than these species and can grow up to 5 metres tall. Here are some identifying features of Giant Hogweed:
The stem:
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ranges from 5-10 cm in diameter
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is herbaceous (green and leaf-like; non-woody)
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is hollow and covered with coarse hairs
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is green and may have purple spots
The flower:
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can measure up to 1.5 m in diameter
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is a large umbrella-shaped cluster of small white flowers
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blooms in June and July
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produces large, flat, oval-shaped seeds
The leaf:
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can measure over 2.5 m in length
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is a compound leaf with many leaflets on a common stem
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has stiff, stubby hairs on the underside
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is dark green with jagged, deeply grooved edges
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE CAREFUL AROUND GIANT HOGWEED?
Giant Hogweed poses a risk to human health. It is a poisonous plant that can cause both severe skin irritation and eye problems – including possible blindness. Sap from the leaves and stems of Giant Hogweed is highly toxic, causing hypersensitivity to sunlight. Exposure to sunlight after skin contact with the sap can lead to severe burns, blisters, and scarring. Scars continue to be sensitive to sunlight for years, resulting in recurring inflammation and skin irritation. Contact with eyes may lead to temporary or possibly permanent blindness.
HRM's Response
Giant Hogweed has now been spotted in several areas around HRM. Introduced to North America in the early 1900s as an ornamental garden plant, it was first identified in Nova Scotia in the 1980s. Direct contact with Giant Hogweed can cause both severe skin and eye problems - including possible blindness.
Considered a human health hazard, response to this plant will fall outside of HRM’s current pesticide bylaw. Appropriate action, says Richard MacLellan, Manager of HRM’s Sustainable Environment Management Office (SEMO), will occur once a plant is identified as being on HRM property.
Residents worried they may have the plant should contact Marian Munro, at the Nova Scotia Museum, for confirmation (424-3564) and arrange for a professional landscaper to address the problem. HRM staff are currently consulting with other levels of government and stakeholders to determine Best Management Practices for this particular invasive species. Additional information will be posted here as soon as it becomes available.
 Giant Hogweed Information Sheet
Giant Hogweed Information Links
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