Giant Hogweed

Giant hogweed is a member of the carrot family and its resemblance to Queen Anne’s lace caused it to become a garden ornamental. It spreads easily and can establish along roadsides, ditches, and streams. Giant hogweed has a thick bright green stem (3-8 cm in diameter) with dark reddish-purple spots and coarse white hairs at the base of the leaf stock.  

If you come in contact with this plant, you may experience severe burns to your skin. Contact with eyes may cause temporary or permanent blindness.

What to do if you have contact with a giant hogweed plant:

• Wash exposed skin with soap and water
• Avoid sunlight
• Seek medical attention
• Report the sighting by calling 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268) or reporting online on our Report a Problem webform

For more information, visit the Ontario Giant Hogweed webpage