Giant Hogweed is a Federally-listed noxious weed. The sap, when combined with sunlight and moisture (sweat), can cause severe burns and scarring. It can reach a height of 20 feet. The thick, hollow stems have dark purplish blotches and raised nodules. The leaves are compound, lobed, and deeply incised and can reach up to five feet in width. White umbrella-shaped flowers, resembling the flowers of Queen Anne’s lace, appear in early to mid-summer. It grows in disturbed places like roadside ditches and stream banks and prefers rich moist soil and full to partial sun.
Non-professionals should not attempt to remove, or even touch, giant hogweed. If you encounter the plant, report it to the NYSDEC at: 845-256-3111. From late April through August, DEC field crews visit each confirmed giant hogweed site, and use appropriate control method. This is free of charge to the landowner.
Except for its giant size, giant hogweed resembles cow-parsnip and Queen Anne’s lace.
To learn more about it, and to see additional photographs, go to NY Department of Environmental Conservation.