What is a giant hogweed?
Giant Hogweed is a large plant from Asia, which has set out all over the world. It can grow 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 m) high with a stem, which has a diameter of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). The leaves of this plant grow to a width of about 5 feet (1.5 m). It has lace, white umbel flowers that can reach an average of 2.5 feet (0.7 m).
This plant was introduced into the United States around 1917 as a decorative garden plant. He escaped cultivation and has settled well in many parts of the country. It is widely found in the western part of the state of New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. It also flourishes on the west coast of the United States in Oregon and Washington, as well as in Canada and throughout Europe. He lives on the banks of the river, near streams, on roads, on free land, in yards and gardens, or in other cold, wet areas. It spreads quite slowly but persisted.
People should avoid giant hogweed. MereIt reads a pure toxic sap, which makes the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Contact with SAP quickly result in painful blisters, third degree burns and permanent scarring. If someone comes into contact with his eyes, it can cause temporary or sometimes permanent blindness. The giant hogweed is particularly dangerous for children who are attracted to areas where this plant likes to grow. Its big hollow stem is attractive to some for temporary weapons and peas shooters.
Giant Hogweed is dangerous not only for people but also for the environment. As an invasive species, it destroys indigenous plants and disrupts ecosystems by competition with other plants for sunlight, space and nutrients. This in turn affects the life of animals by reducing food supply obtained from native plant species.
When this plant dies in autumn, it contributes to the erosion of the soil along the river and the banks of the streams where it grows. Because it replaces native species whose roots normally remain and hold the soil in place,The giant hogweed causes the soil in which it grows is easy to wash away. It also contributes to wind erosion in some of its habitats for the same reason.
In the United States, the giant hogweed is on the harmful list of weeds of the federal government and further imports of this plant are illegal. It is also illegal to transport the plant from the state to the state or even in the state. In addition to trying to prevent further introduction of the plant, there are attempts to check the giant hogweed use of herbicides and mechanical removal, which are at least effective due to hardness and adaptive plant ability.