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What is Giant Hogweed?
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a plant native to the Caucaus Region and is known for its ability to grow 2-5 metres (rarely to 7 m) tall. Except for size, it closely resembles several other more common and less harmful native species.
It is distinguished by a rigid, dark green/reddish-purple stem and spotted stalks that are hollow and produce sturdy bristles that look like white hairs over the plants structure. Stems vary from 3-8 cm in diameter, occasionally up to 10 cm and the leaves produced are distinctly incised and compound which grow up to 1-1.7 m in width.
Giant Hogweed is a perennial plant which flowers from late spring onwards. Large amounts of white flowers cluster in an umbrella-shaped flower head that can reach 80 cm in diameter. The plant produces an astounding 1,500 to 100,000 flattened, 1 cm long, oval dry seeds. Shoots die down in the autumn where skeletal remains of tall stems mark its location during winter.
Similar to Japanese Knotweed, foreign plants were introduced to Britain in the 19th century, mainly for ornamental reasons. It is now widespread throughout the British Isles especially along riverbanks.
Apart from its invasive nature, Giant Hogweed poses an additional problem as it is a phototoxic plant. Its sap can cause phytophotodermatitis (severe skin inflammations) when the burnt skin is exposed to sunlight or to UV-rays. This is characterized by affected skin turning red and itching. Then blisters form as UV rays from sunlight burns the skin which due to the sap of the plant, is unprotected from the radiation. These burns go on to form black or purplish scars that can last several years. Hospitalisation may even be necessary depending on body percentage covering. If sap gets into the eyes of those who come into contact with Giant Hogweed, then temporary or even permanent blindness can occur.
The reactions are caused by the presence of linear derivatives of furocoumarin in various components of the plant. These chemicals migrate into the nuclei of epithelial cells, forming a bond with the DNA, causing the cells to die.
The Law
Due to the dangerous characteristics of Giant Hogweed, it is listed within the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to plant or cause Giant Hogweed to grow in the wild. If you know of any infestations, or suspect plants on your property, do not hesitate to resolve the problem as the plant is a direct contact health risk.
How Can Geosphere Environmental Help?
First off, if you suspect or are concerned about invasive species such as Giant Hogweed on or near to your land call us now for a survey immediately on 01603 298076 do not hesitate to resolve the problem as the plant is a direct risk to human health.
Your next course of action is to discuss the issue with our specialists in person; we can take your site specific constraints and determine your best course of action to reliably keep projects within budget, and on schedule. We can also provide an information workshop on request or point you in the right direction for help and guidance on the issue.
The schemes we can undertake with you are flexible methods of eradication – we do not provide a miracle one season cure that may (or may not) work, or warrantees caveated beyond practicality. What we offer is a solid base of experience in dealing with these issues at competitive rates – we can cut through the scare mongering that preys on those that are affected by invasive species and can assure you that the best course of action is clear and achievable.
The most important aspect is not to delay, the sooner the issue is identified and dealt with the lower the overall cost.
For those requiring specifics – we operate all over the UK. Our specialists are NPTC certified, CSCS certified, environmentally aware and are health and safety trained. All of our operatives have extensive experience of dealing with invasive species on developments, private properties, secure sites, airfields and in close proximity to watercourses.
The herbicides and methods we use are all certified by the Environment Agency and we adhere to the Code of Practice publications.
We are 100% confident you can save time and money using the services of Geosphere Environmental Limited; please feel free to ask us to match any prices for your invasive species eradication.