It’s Giant Hogweed time again
Just a reminder to all you non horticulture types that we do have the odd dangerous plant to contend with….
Giant Hogweed is really unpleasant - it causes burning and blistering of the skin and in extreme cases can require skin grafts to heal and cover the damage caused.
Planted by the Victorians as an ornamental ‘architectural plant’ this herbaceous perennial spreads rapidly producing masses of seed from enormous floral heads - often up to a metre across. Prevalent in waterside locations and waste ground the spread of the plant over the last few years has been dramatic.
Environment Agency officers do not seem to have the funding to deal with the prolific growth of the plant, therefore each season the problem gets worse.
In Manchester along the River Irwell the growth is particularly dramatic in the centre of town where huge leaf and flower heads overhang some of the more prestigious pathways. Near to the five star Lowry Hotel the river frontage is solid with Giant Hogweed with small sections of Japanese Knotweed for good measure!
Please make sure children are aware of the dangers and if you see the plant stay well away!
July 9th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I can’t put my finger on why yet but where is was limited to spread and quantity 2 or 3 years ago it seems to now be on the rapid and unabated increase. I cannot remember before seeing so many infestations, certainly in more built up and urban environments.
July 13th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Yes - Ive noticed that too…strange…rumour has it that the EA arent spending any money….??
Mike C