Common Name: Giant hogweed

Scientific Name: Heracleum mantegazzianum

Native Range: Asia

Biology & Description:

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a biennial herb that grows 8-14 feet in height. Plants sprout in early spring from forked taproots or seeds. The stems are hollow, and the leaves are lobed. The best time to identify giant hogweed is when it is in bloom in June.

Distribution:

NOTE: If you receive a "sign in" message, click cancel to continue. Confirmed observations of Giant hogweed submitted to the NYS Invasive Species Database. For more information, visit iMapInvasives

Habitat:

This plant colonizes rich, moist soils along roadside ditches, stream banks, waste areas, and forest edges.

Threats & Impacts:

Giant hogweed is on the federal noxious weed list because of its dangerous sap. It threatens riparian areas by displacing native plants and exacerbating soil erosion.

Management Techniques:

CAUTION: This plant contains toxic sap that can cause severe skin irritation, blistering, and scarring. Statewide control efforts are currently underway by NYSDEC and partner organizations. If you've found giant hogweed, please contact APIPP for management advice before treating it on your own. 

Additional Resources:

• APIPP Invasive Species Best Management Practices

• Giant Hogweed Identification: This page has photos of all parts of the giant hogweed plant as well as photos of common lookalike plants for identification purposes.
• Health Hazards & Safety Instructions for Giant Hogweed (with graphic photos): This page describes the health hazards of giant hogweed and details how people should protect themselves against the harmful sap.
• How To Control Giant Hogweed: A variety of methods for controlling this non-native invasive plant.
• Giant Hogweed Biology:This page describes the biology of giant hogweed plants, including their growth and devlopment stages, seed dispersal and viability, as well as the habitat and competition for giant hogweed plants.

Native Look Alikes:

There are several species that closely resemble giant hogweed including cow parsnip, angelica, wild parsnip, Queen Anne's lace, and poison hemlock.