Giant hogweed can pose a serious health hazard for humans. Giant hogweed is an extremely invasive species that originated from Asia and Eastern Europe. If the plant’s watery, clear sap comes into contact with human skin and is then exposed to sunlight, the UV radiation can cause severe burning and weeping blisters. 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. The map, created and maintained by WhatShed.co.uk, is tracking the spread of Giant Hogweed throughout the United Kingdom following the closure of the PlantTracker app. Distribution Maps Species Information Tools & Training My EDDMapS About giant hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier . 2006 Footnote 1 , … It favours regions with cool, moist climates and soils with high organic matter (Page et al. Giant hogweed has numerous small white flowers clusters in an umbrella-shaped head, with stout, hollow green stems covered in purple spots. Brushing against or breaking the plant releases sap that, combined with sunlight and moisture, can cause a severe burn within 24 to 48 hours. The map, created and maintained by WhatShed.co.uk, is tracking the spread of Giant Hogweed throughout the United Kingdom following the closure of the PlantTracker app. Giant hogweed was planted in European botanical gardens of the early 19th century as an ornamental and was first recorded in Canada in 1949 in Ontario (Page et al. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a perennial and currently distributed in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Gulf Islands, and central to southern Vancouver Island. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a perennial plant and a member of the carrot family. Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a perennial and currently distributed in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, Gulf Islands, and central to southern Vancouver Island. Giant hogweed has the potential to spread readily and grows along roadsides, ditches and streams. 2006 Footnote 1). Giant hogweed Species Heracleum mantegazzianum. With no known diseases or insect pests here in Canada, the plant Invasive Species Fact Sheet - Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Where does Giant Hogweed come from? On the west coast of North America, Heracleum mantegazzianum appeared in Oregon, Washington, and southwestern Canada but it is not clear how the species found its way into this region. Login to download data. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a plant native to Asia. Giant hogweed has numerous small white flowers clusters in an umbrella-shaped head, with stout, hollow green stems covered in purple spots. Giant hogweed seeds can be dispersed short distances by wind and long distances by moving water. It was likely introduced to North America as an ornamental garden plant. Giant hogweed was still available for sale in Canadian nurseries as late as 2005. It is a perennial and a member of the carrot and parsley family. States Counties Points List Species Info. 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