”This plant contains a high concentration of furocoumarin. The sap on your skin breaks down melanin, exposing you to UV rays. Numerous horrific pictures exist online showing the plant’s impact, including severe burns blisters and years of scarring in some cases. Victorian botanists imported it as a status symbol due to its size, leaves and large flower heads/seeds. Interestingly, it also provided shade at a time when sun-kissed skin was considered “vulgar”. Maddening.
GeorgeFlavour Fred
The plant has become invasive and poses a significant concern due to the sap and its consequences for those who come into contact with it. DEFRA should be notified whenever it’s found. Giant Hogweed has large, hairless leaves with serious serrations, unlike common hogweed which has generally more rounded, slightly hairy leaves that appear less glossy.
The flower heads are massive, boasting more than double the number of flower stems (50+) compared to common hogweed (up to 25 approx). It produces a vast number of seeds. The main stem of giant hogweed features red or purple blotches and can be quite large, sometimes as wide as 5 inches. The stem has very hairy leaf joints. Despite its beauty, I must warn people. I admire it but must give the appropriate warning as I prefer using Common Hogweed, which I’ll discuss in a future reel.
