Hogweed - How to control and remove it

Common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) occurs naturally in Europe. It is a perennial plant that grows to a height of approximately 90-150 cm and is commonly found in rugged grasslands, road verges, thickets, wilderness areas and along dikes. The plant has bristly hairs with pinnate leaves of five to sometimes nine leaf segments, often with a lobed leaf edge. The common hogweed blooms from June to October with white flowers in umbels. Touching this plant can cause skin irritation in people with sensitive skin, but the effects are much less pronounced than cases of contact with the giant hogweed.

The giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is not native to the Netherlands but was brought to Europe as a garden plant in the nineteenth century. This species originates from the mountainous Caucuses region of southwest Asia and was brought to the Netherlands over 150 years ago as an ornamental plant. However, the giant hogweed quickly started becoming invasive on a large scale. Nowadays it is a common species, especially in urban areas, at the inland edges of dunes and in clay areas.

The giant hogweed can cause various negative effects and nuisances.

Risks for the natural environment

Native plant species are displaced, as the giant hogweed grows rapidly in early spring and has densely closed foliage. Banks and taluses become more unstable due to the displacement of undergrowth, especially in the winter period when the soil is exposed.

Health risks

When the plant is damaged, it secretes harmful substances (furanocoumarin derivatives) that cause blisters on the skin when exposed to sunlight. The affected skin can remain sensitive to sunlight (ultraviolet light) for an extended period of time. People who are exposed to giant hogweed as part of their jobs are most at risk. There have also been cases where pets have experienced similar symptoms after having been in contact with giant hogweed.

The giant hogweed starts to grow in early spring around the end of March or beginning of April and only produces leaves and a taproot in the first year.

The plant can already start flowering in the second year, but this usually only takes place in the third to fifth year. The plant flowers from June to August and has small white flowers in large umbels with a diameter of up to approximately 80 cm.

Each plant has several umbels and produces an average of 20,000 seeds, but some plants can even produce up to 100,000 seeds. The seeds end up in the top layer of the soil at a relatively short distance from the mother plant (<10m) and can remain germinative for up to seven years. The seeds are mainly distributed over longer distances via open water or through human activity (mowing, ground transport, etc.).

Prevention is the most cost-effective approach to invasive exotic species. You can prevent the giant hogweed from forming seeds by mowing regularly from the beginning of May.

Also prevent activities at or near places where the giant hogweed is located which may cause you to unintentionally contribute to the further spread of the species.

It is important to work carefully, so that no seeds are spread by machines, clothing or ground transport which could lead to new hotspots. Also check and clean clothing and machines after carrying out the work.

The earlier you start controlling the giant hogweed, the higher your chance of success as the plant can still be eradicated at an early stage of growth.

Cutting at the roots

The most effective method of control is to cut the plant at the root. The growing point of the plant is about 15 to 20 cm below the ground with a thick taproot at the top. From that point upwards, the plant grows its stalk and leaves. By cutting the growing point, the plant dies. But it is essential to cut the plant at exactly the right spot, so that the growing point is completely separated from the root. This labour-intensive control method is particularly suitable for smaller hotspots.

Mowing and removal

Mowing and removal is a suitable method to control giant hogweed growing over larger areas. For this method to be effective, it is important to start early in the season (early May) and to mow at least five times a season. This prevents the plants from forming new shoots at an accelerated pace and from blossoming (stress-induced flowering). This method needs to be repeated for several years until the seed stock in the soil is exhausted.

Grazing by livestock

Intensive grazing is a commonly used and highly effective method for controlling large areas of growth. Sheep and goats are particularly suitable for this purpose, but cattle and pigs can also be used. In general, the animals first have to get used to the plant because of the substances that it releases. This method also requires repetition over several years until the seed stock in the soil is exhausted.

Chemical control

Giant hogweed can be effectively controlled with a glyphosate-based herbicide. This herbicide is most effective if applied in spring (mid-May) when the leaves have developed and the plants are still easily accessible. However, it is necessary to keep checking during the season for regrowth and the germination of new plants. In the Netherlands there is a ban on the professional use of non-agricultural pesticides in all paved and unpaved areas. A number of specific plants and insects may still be controlled with a pesticide if this is necessary for the protection of the health of humans, animals or the environment. This also applies to species included on the list of invasive alien species considered to be of Union concern. The giant hogweed falls into this category.

The Wageningen University & Research advisory team can advise and support you in dealing with invasive exotic species such as the giant hogweed. These consultants have extensive experience and are experts in the field of weed control. They are also well-informed of the latest information about the current situation.