Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive perennial herb from the carrot family (Apiaceae). It has spread throughout much of Europe and is a concern in many parts of southern and central Ontario. Native to the Caucasus Mountains in Southwest Asia, the plant grows to an enormous size and produces large umbels (umbrella–shaped clusters) of white flowers. It was most likely introduced to North America in the early 1900s as a garden plant. Ontario’s first confirmed record of this plant was in 1949. Today, giant hogweed has a scattered distribution across southern and central Ontario and has been found as far north as Kapuskasing. Hogweed populations in these locations range in size from individual to thousands of plants.

For more information on Giant Hogweed, download our Best Management Practices and Technical Document, available at the link below:

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