Home > Facts > Plants Facts > Giant hogweed Facts

Giant hogweed Facts

Giant hogweed Facts
Giant hogweed is a type of herbaceous plant that belongs to the family of carrots (Apiaceae). This plant originates from Caucasus and central Asia. It was introduced to Britain in the 19th century as an ornamental plant. One century later, it was brought to the USA where it managed to "escape" from gardens and started to conquer new habitats. This plant inhabits rich, damp soil in the areas that provide enough moisture. It is usually found near the streams, in the marshes and ditches. Giant hogweed is classified as obnoxious weed in most European and American countries because it spreads quickly, disturbs native species and negatively affects human health. Planting of the giant hogweed is banned in several North American states.
Interesting Giant hogweed Facts:
Giant hogweed can grow to the height of 15 to 20 feet.
Giant hogweed has thick green stem covered with purple blotches and white hairs.
Giant hogweed has thick green leaves that are lobed and toothed on the edges. They can reach 5 feet in diameter. Leaf stalks are covered with white hairs.
Giant hogweed produces white flowers arranged in terminal inflorescence known as umbel. Flower head can reach 2.5 feet in diameter.
Giant hogweed blooms once in a lifetime. Flowers can be seen from spring to midsummer.
Giant hogweed produces 100 000 winged, oval seeds. Animals, rain and wind facilitate seed dispersal. Seed is able to germinate even after 10 years of dormancy.
Sap extracted from the leaves, stem, root, flowers and seed contains toxic chemicals known as furanocoumarins. These substances induce strong reaction on the human skin known as phytophotodermatitis (light-induced skin irritation). Plant's sap destroys natural defensive mechanisms which protect skin from the negative effects of the sun (more precisely of the UV rays). As a result, large burns and blisters appear on the skin.
First signs of dermatitis appear 1 to 3 days after contact with sap. Usually 48 hours later, large, dark blisters arise. They turn into brown scars after couple of days. Scars remain on the skin from couple of months to 6 years. Skin remains sensitive to the sun for years after contact with giant hogweed.
Skin needs to be rinsed with water immediately after contact with giant hogweed to prevent seriousness of the reaction. Also, affected person needs to avoid sun exposure.
Sap of giant hogweed induces temporary or permanent blindness when it comes in contact with eyes.
Before people became aware of the hazardous effect of this plant, they were planting it as food for bees.
Plant is scientifically known as "Heracleum" due to large dimensions and strength. Same characteristics were used to describe Greek's hero Hercules.
Dried seed of giant hogweed is used as spice in Iranian cuisine.
Rock band Genesis, wrote a song "The Return of the Giant Hogweed" in 1971. Song describes negative influence of the plant and inability of people to eradicate it.
Giant hogweed is perennial plant that can survive from 5 to 7 years in the wild.


Related Links:
Facts
Plants Facts
Animals Facts