 An example of Giant Hogweed growing in a Burnaby back lane June 2006
Giant Hogweed
If you come in contact with this plant, you could experience severe burns to your skin, and risk temporary or permanent blindness.
If you are exposed to Giant Hogweed:
- wash affected areas immediately;
- keep the affected area out of the sun;
- seek medical advice for burns.
Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum , is an invasive plant that looks similar to cow parsnip, but poses a serious threat to natural ecosystems and human health. The Giant Hogweed can reach an impressive height of 15 feet when flowering. The hollow stems are 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Leaves are deeply lobed and toothed. The large blossom consists of numerous white flowers clustered in an umbrella-shaped head that is more than 2 feet across. Most plant parts are covered in stiff white hairs that are filled with sap.
The sap found in the Giant Hogweed stem and stem hairs causes phytophotodermatitis , a serious skin inflammation activated by exposure to the sun. Symptoms typically consist of painful blisters that form within 48 hours of exposure, and pigmented scars that can last up to 6 years.
To remove one of these plants from your own property:
 A child with burns from giant hogweed sap
- wear protective clothing, including gloves, long sleeves, pants, and eye protection;
- immediately remove any flower heads to prevent seed growth and dispersal;
- sever the plant roots 8 – 12 cm below the soil surface;
- dispose of all plant parts in double-bagged garbage bags, and DO NOT COMPOST;
- return to plant site periodically to remove any new plant growth.
If you see this plant in Burnaby parks , road rights of ways, or private lands, please contact Christine Ensing, Environmental Services at 604.294.7976 with the plant location information.
For more information and photos of Giant Hogweed, see:
 Source: Page et al 2006 To prevent other non-native plants from spreading into natural areas:
- Never dump garden waste or hanging baskets into natural areas! Rather, dispose of plant materials through the City's Yard and Garden Waste Pick-up Program ;
- Learn which non-native species can invade natural areas - [ NEW WINDOW ] and avoid planting them in your garden!
- Grow regionally native plants in your garden - for more information contact the Native Plant Society of British Columbia - [ NEW WINDOW ]
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