Habitat

Along streams, rivers, on waste land and rough pastures. 

Key ID features

• Aptly named ‘giant’, this member of the cow-parsley family has flowering stems 2-3 m high with flowers up to 80 cm in diameter.

• The lower leaves are often 1m or more in size. 

• The species reproduces entirely by seeds with a single plant producing about 20,000 seedlings.

Distribution

Widespread across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Impacts

Out-competes native species by forming dense stands reducing species diversity. The plant produces phytotoxic sap, which in contact with human skin and combined with UV radiation causes recurring skin burns that can be severe. 

Do’s & Don’ts

• DON’T touch - hazardous! Always wear protective gear - see Welsh Government’s ‘Giant hogweed: controlling it on your land’ guidance.

• DON’T break the law. It is an offence under the Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019 to plant or cause the growth of giant hogweed in the environment. This could happen through moving contaminated soils or plant materials.

More Information

For more information visit the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat website.