LHPrism Status
Tier 2 - Emerging
Species Type
LHPRISM Notes
Heracleum mantegazzianum: Giant Hogweed
Plant Identification:
- Growth form: perennial, monocarpic herb growing as high as 5 meters
- Inflorescences: white, sometimes pinkish, compound umbels up to 80 cm across with 30-150 rays
- Flowers: pedicles 10-20 cm long with petals up to 12 mm long
- Stem: rigid, stout, and 5-10 cm in diameter. stems and leaf stalks are completely or spotted reddish-purple in color, hollow, and produce postulate bristles that produce phototoxic sap
- Leaves: alternate with lower leaves 1-2.5 m long, compound, irregularly shaped, deeply lobed, and irregularly toothed
- Fruit: dry shizocarps consisting of two mericarp, elliptical, flattened seeds
*This species exudes a sap that sensitises the skin to ultraviolet radiation which can result in severe burns
For more information about giant hogweed plant identification, please visit:
- GoBotany
- IPANE
- Global Invasive Species Database
- Department of Environmental Conservation
- United States Forest Service
For more information about giant hogweed best management practices, please visit:
Websites
