I live on a 5 acre country property and was quite excited to see Gardening Life's articles on country gardens and big plants. I've had one plant which grew for the first time this year and I did not know what it was. I recognized it in the big plant article as being one of the invasive plants - giant hogweed. The article suggested keeping these plants confined by a patio or in a large pot and to not let go to seed. However, in our local paper there was an article about these weeds and they are a big concern to the county at present as they are quite poisonous. I did a bit of research and found this plant to be a Class A noxious weed which leads to severe scaring and breathing problems. If you burn them, the sap can travel through the smoke and cause eye problems and respiratory problems. I am confused as GL did not mention this very important info at all, and I usually find GL to be comprehensive. Does anyone else know of these plants? Does anyone have a sure fire way to get rid of them?
Thanks!
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I just googled and came up with a site that had this helpful info on a PDF file -- for controlling Giant Hogweed - I guess in the west coast of the US it is a real problem :
http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/LANDS/weeds/pdf/hogweed-control.pdf
Also see this compendium by GOogle of related sites: http://www.invasivespecies.gov/profiles/hogweed.shtml
You could have a look at otehr sites that come up -- I would google "Giant Hogweed" and check Canadian sites, and then you may fidn something that is pertinent to your area.
Thanks Foxxy, I think buring them may be the best option. I'll have to send my husband out back alone (with his goggles and mask) and hopes he comes out unscaved!
burn them far away from the house in a barrel, far enough away so you do not breathe in smoke or use plant killer on them in a barrel as to not interfere with other plants.