Please report sightings of giant hogweed to the INVADING SPECIES HOTLINE at 1-800-563-7711 or online at http://www.invadingspecies.com
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive plant that has become established in parts of Ontario. It presents a public safety hazard.
MNR, in partnership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, is tracking the occurrence and monitoring the spread of giant hogweed (along with other invasive species). MNR encourages gardeners to plant native species instead of invasives such as giant hogweed.
Anyone who plans to remove giant hogweed should be aware that the sap of this weed can burn your skin, causing blisters and scarring. If the sap gets into your eyes it has been reported to cause temporary or permanent blindness.
If you find giant hogweed
- Report sightings of giant hogweed to the INVADING SPECIES HOTLINE at 1-800-563-7711 or online at http://www.invadingspecies.com. They will confirm whether or not it is the giant hogweed.
- Report the occurrence of this invasive species to your municipality as well. Municipal staff need to be aware of issues, including giant hogweed, that may impact the health of people living in the community.
Control of giant hogweed
- Landowners are generally responsible for dealing with giant hogweed on their property.
- Before attempting control, you should seek the assistance of a professional exterminator. Consult the yellow pages for a professional exterminator in your area.
- If you wish to control the plant yourself, you should follow the instructions on the Invading Species website or included in the Landowner’s Guide to Controlling Invasive Woodlands Plants.
- Landowners (and others) can use pesticides to control plants that are poisonous to the touch (i.e. giant hogweed) under an exception in the revised regulation of the Pesticides Act. Under this exception, only herbicides listed in Class 10 (glyphosate in the case of giant hogweed) are permitted.
More Information
The OMAFRA website has information that will help you correctly identify giant hogweed including detailed directions on how to control it using both mechanical and chemical control methods.
Photography
Giant hogweed - Patrick Hodge
