Giant Hogweed at RBG

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The Royal Botanical Gardens had a bit of a weed problem recently called giant hogweed, which could grow up to six feet tall. They could also cause some serious damage to your skin.

These weeds, which actually come from the same family as carrots, can grow to nearly four meters tall, but unlike carrots, this plant shouldn’t be put into a salad

“If you get the sap on your skin and it’s exposed to sunlight, the ultraviolet light will react with the sap and it will burn your skin.”

Second degree burns to be exact. These are images that are safe for TV. It takes about two days for the sap to cause this.

“Thankfully the sap from the giant hogweed won’t do that to your skin right away so if you do believe you came into contact with the giant weed’s sap it’s recommended that you wash your body with soap and water.”

The RBG removed 15 giant hogweeds from their property, and Nadia Cavallin kept one intact so her team could press and preserve it for further research. One thing she does know is that this weed, which was introduced to Canada in the early 1900’s from South Asia, is very invasive

“It doesn’t belong here, it easily spreads and invades and it will reduce the natural biodiversity of the area and we don’t want that happening.”

The weeds tend to grow near water and the Sixteen Mile Creek which runs from Halton Hills to Oakville shows the most confirmed cases.

“Those seeds normally travel on water for about three days until they die. In the winter they can be blown by the wind in the snow so they can travel really far.”

Experts say you should never attempt to remove the weed yourself and that a trained professional should be called. Also, keep your dogs away too, their fur may protect them from the sap but it could easily transfer to whoever pets them.

You can call 1-800-563-7711 if you think you’ve come across a giant hogweed.