Accent on Natural Landscaping

Donna VanBuecken

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Resources
  • Organizations & Blogs
  • Archives
  • Contact

Hogweed — Newest Invasive of Concern

July 8, 2016

There’s been much hype lately about the invasive plant species commonly called giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Although from a different family, it has similar toxicity to the wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) which is so prevalent in this part of the country.

Please be aware of the differences in this plant and our native angelica (angelica atropurpurea) and our native cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum). Here’s a good photo comparison.

Should you come across giant hogweed during your hikes/travels, please don’t touch. If you accidentally come in contact with this plant, immediately cleanse the affected area and stay out of the sun for at least 48 hours. Also immediately contact your local DNR or Land Conservation office and alert them to the location. Here’s a good summary.

During my visit trip to Glacier/Yellowstone/Grand Tetons National Parks, I found Cow parsnip growing typically in the ditches. Although shorter in stature than the species found in Wisconsin, it appeared to be a similar in appearance.
During my recent visit to Glacier/Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Parks, I found cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) growing typically in the ditches. Although shorter in stature than the species found in Wisconsin, it appeared to be a similar in appearance.
   Send article as PDF   

Comments

  1. Ken sikora, Green Bay says

    July 9, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    After reading your article, I think I have a giant hogweed in my yard. It is about 6 feet tall now and hasn’t flowered out yet. But the leaves and the stalk look very similar. Since this spring we were wondering what type of plant it is, as its growing right alongside of a flower bed. I’ve taken some pictures and will send them into Wisconsin’s herbarium for identification.

    Reply
    • Ken sikora says

      July 12, 2016 at 8:20 am

      Good news! I am told its wild lettuce and not giant hogweed.

      Reply
      • Donna VanBuecken says

        July 12, 2016 at 8:56 am

        Hi! Ken. Thanks for letting me know your mystery plant is woodland lettuce (Prenanthes alba) (often called white lettuce or lions foot). I’m glad your plant is a lovely native instead of a nasty non-native.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Signup button.

Recent Posts

  • OVER-THE-COUNTER NATIVE PLANT SALE MAY 21
  • WOFVA’s NATIVE PLANT SALE MAY 21
  • Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA)
  • Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame 2022 Inductees
  • Native Landscaping Design

Category Archives

  • Biodiversity
    • Monarchs
    • Pollinators
  • Birds
  • Climate Change
  • Events
  • Fire
  • Funding
  • Garden and Landscape Design
  • Heroes
  • Homestead
    • Recipe
  • Invasive Plants
  • Native plant garden design
  • Native Plants
  • Natural Landscaping
  • Prairie
  • Public Comment Opportunity
  • Railroad
  • The Sky
  • Wellbeing
  • Wetlands
  • Wildflowers
    • Trees & Shrubs
  • Wildlife
    • Wolves
  • Wisconsin
  • Women
  • Woodlands

Copyright 2005-2018
Donna VanBuecken