Stoughton Environmental Officer Hasn't Seen Giant Hogweed

STOUGHTON, MA — Town officials are raising questions about reports from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources that list Stoughton as a community where giant hogweed was discovered.

Stoughton Environmental Affairs Officer James Conlon said he hasn't received reports confirming the location of the dangerous plant. Conlon said he personally hasn't seen giant hogweed since MDAR released its report.

According to Conlon, the town is taking the reports claims "very seriously." He said, "I put some calls into the state." Conlon also called MDAR and other state officials. "I didn't think it was in the community," Conlon said.

Residents should keep an eye out for the plant, said Conlon and if they see it, are advised to call the town hall. He said giant hogweed is an invasive plant originating from South Russia. It's more acidic than poison ivy and can cause burning blisters from the slightest touch. Conlon said even trying to use a weed wacker on the plant is dangerous.

Key physical features of giant hogweed include:

• Biennial or perennial herb reaching 10-15 feet in height.
• Seedlings emerge in early spring. Leaves also arise from the large, tuberous roots that store much of the plant's energy.
• Stem is hollow, 2-4 inches in diameter, and covered with dark reddish-purple splotches and coarse hairs.
• Leaves are compound with three deeply incised leaflets. Leaves may reach up to 5 feet in width.
• Undersides of leaves look smooth and scaly. If hairs are present, they are coarse and white. A similar species, cow parsnip, has leaves that look fuzzy on the underside.
• White flowers appear mid-May through July. Flower heads are umbrella-shaped with a flat top and may reach 2 ½ feet in diameter.
• Fruits are dry and elliptical (1/4" – ¾" length by 1/8" –3/8" in width) marked with 3-5 brown swollen resin canals (1mm in diameter).

If resident see the plant, they should also call MDAR at 617-626-1779.

Article by James Bentley and Dan Libon

Image from Creative Commons