Giant Hogweed
Giant Hogweed is a commonly misidentified for common hogweed, cow parsley, and ground elder. The woodland trust outline in more detail the appearance and vital statistics for the plant. A giant hogweed plant has sharp leaves and white flowers. However, this is very similar to the flower found on cow parsley and common hogweed.
Giant Hogweed (GBNNSS)
How to correctly identify giant hogweed?
One of the differentiating features of giant hogweed is its leaves. Giant hogweed has sharp jagged edges. This is compared to cow parsley that has smaller tripinnate leaves (leaves that are divided into further divisions), and common hogweed that has round leaves.
Giant Hogweed leaves (GBNNSS)
Additionally, giant hogweed tends to grow significantly larger than common hogweed and cow parsley (fully grown heights of 1.5-5m), compared to common hogweed that grows to a maximum of 2 metres.
What we can do
We can remove Giant Hogweed within our parks, green spaces, and verges. However, we cannot remove Giant Hogweed from private property.
Actions
If you believe you have seen Giant Hogweed in our parks or green spaces (and not their native counterparts) please report this through fix my street. Do not try to remove it yourselves, if it is in our parks and open spaces.