What if you encounter that 'monster,' giant hogweed?

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article in my "Pocono Outdoors" column about an invasive, poisonous plant heading our way called giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Several Pocono Record readers asked questions about this colossal plant, such as: "Who do we report giant hogweed sightings to?" and "How does one remove giant hogweed?"

Giant hogweed is classified as a "federally noxious weed" in the United States. Imagine a poisonous plant with purple-spotted stems as thick as human legs, encircled with coarse white hairs, and garnished with compound leaves nearly five feet in diameter, then topped with clusters of tiny white flowers the size of umbrellas. Now add 20 feet in height and you have giant hogweed — the mother of all weeds!

Unfortunately, giant hogweed has three look-alike plants: purple angelica (Angelica atropurpurea), cow-parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). They all grow in the same habitats as giant hogweed. You need to become familiar with these plants as well.

Therefore, before you get out the weed-whacker or, in this case, the chain saw, I would like to provide very important information about giant hogweed control and eradication.

No one should try to cut, mow or dig up giant hogweed as a control measure. By doing so, you risk the chance of coming in contact with this poisonous plant. Furthermore, by disturbing the soil or digging up the roots, you may add to the replication of this noxious weed by spreading seeds or inviting new shoots to grow up from the deep taproot.

The only way to eradicate giant hogweed is by herbicide spraying.

If you are certain you have seen giant hogweed in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has a Giant Hogweed Hotline for you to call. The agency will ask you questions pertaining to plant description, location and arrangement for a site visit. They will also provide management strategies, which more than likely will require herbicidal applications and monitoring.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation recommends applications of systemic herbicides, such as glyphosate and triclopyr. Its website states: "The application of these herbicides is considered effective and cost efficient and can be used for the control of a single plant or large stands of giant hogweed.

"These systemic herbicides will be absorbed by the leaves and will move into the root to prevent regrowth the following year. Triclopyr is a selective herbicide that acts only on broadleaf plants and will not harm grasses in the area. Glyphosate is non-persistent in the soil but is also a non-selective herbicide and will kill any surrounding vegetation it comes in contact with.

"Some triclopyr and glyphosate products (example: Rodeo) are labeled for use in riparian areas and near water. Areas sprayed with triclopyr can recolonize with grasses and other herbaceous species within the same growing season which helps to suppress giant hogweed seedling and decrease soil erosion."

Giant hogweed is a nasty, poisonous plant, and difficult to eradicate. Do not take on the task of removing it, since you may have gotten more than you bargained for. If you suspect giant hogweed growing on your property, I strongly recommend you contact the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture or the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a list of licensed pesticide applicators. These trained and qualified professionals have access to stronger herbicides, which can only be applied by, or under the supervision of, a certified commercial pesticide applicator.

Information is powerful, and being proactive is better than reactive. Please visit the websites listed with this column, or contact these agencies for published information.

Let's hope we only see photos of giant hogweed and not the actual plant growing in Pocono soils.

Contact Rick Koval at unibirder@yahoo.com, or write to him at PO Box 454, Dallas, PA 18612.