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Giant Hogweed is Back

Thursday, 30 May 2013 11:22

A warning to local gardeners, giant hogweed is back. The poisonous plant can burn skin and cause blindness in not only people but some animals such as cows. It is described as very tall, spiny and white with large leaves that can grow up to two feet across. County of Oxford Weed Inspector Carol Tattersall says you need to wear gloves, long sleeves and even eye protection when removing the weed. "Probably the best method would be spraying it from a distance. Once the plant is dead, you can remove the material. Seeds can last in the ground for up to ten years so it's going to be applications over several years to destroy the seed bank." Tattersall says while we don't have a lot of giant hogweed, she says it does prefer damp, moist areas along streams and riverbanks. If you think you have found Giant Hogweed on your property and need help identifying it, please call the County of Oxford at 519-539-9800, ext. 3132.

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