Giant hogweed
Giant hogweed is a fast-growing invasive plant. It mainly grows next to water, in damp meadows or on derelict land. It grows exclusively by seeds, which can be planted deliberately or carried by wind or water. It can cause harm to humans and animals and although not native to the UK, it is now widespread.
Do not touch giant hogweed as the sap can cause painful burns and make your skin sensitive to strong sunlight. If you are affected by it, wash the area with soapy water and contact your doctor for advice.
How to identify giant hogweed
Giant hogweed is easy to identify when fully grown by height, size of leaves and size of flowers. However, when not fully grown it can be easily confused with common hogweed and cow parsley. When identifying giant hogweed, look out for:
- white flower blooms
- thick purple-reddish stem with many stiff white hairs
- a height of up to 5m (15') tall when fully grown.
View more information on giant hogweed on the Non-native species secretariat website.
What you should know
You should avoid contact with the plant as the sap can cause irritation to the skin.
It is the landowner's responsibility to control these plants. You must not allow it to spread to other people's land or property. However, you do not have to remove it from your own land.
If you see giant hogweed on private land such as a neighbouring property, a construction site or agricultural fields you should speak to the land owner in the first instance. To find out who owns a piece of land, visit HM Land Registry. We do not intervene in private cases.
You must not remove or dispose of giant hogweed as it could cause the plant to spread, which is an offence.
You must not dispose of giant hogweed in your garden waste bin or take it to the tip (household recycling centre) as this is an offence, it must be disposed of as controlled waste.
If you find giant hogweed on your own land you can view more information on preventing invasive species from spreading on the GOV.UK website.
Giant hogweed on public land
If you have found giant hogweed on public land, you must report it us.
Reports within council land will be investigated, and if found to be Japanese knotweed or giant hogweed, it will be added to areas marked for treatment.
We aim to control invasive non-native species on our land, to support biodiversity and protect public health and property. Specifically, this targets Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed as these are regarded as posing the greatest risk.
We make every effort to contain the spread of giant hogweed on public land and ensure the area is safe as a matter of priority, once reported.