Heracleum mantegazzianum

DO NOT TOUCH THIS PLANT. Giant hogweed is a dangerous plant and is designated as a federal noxious weed due to its toxic sap that causes skin sensitivity to UV radiation and leads to blistering and severe burns. It is native to Europe and Asia and was introduced around 1917 for use as an ornamental plant. It is also used as a spice in middle Eastern cooking. Hogweed is a towering herbaceous biennial plant growing 15-20 ft. in height with interesting foliage and massive flower heads. The large stem is hollow, about 2 in. across and usually marked with purple blotches. The leaves are deeply lobed, sharply pointed, and up to 5 ft. across. Flowering occurs in late spring to early summer. The white flowers are arranged in large umbrella-shaped heads that can be up to 2½ ft. in diameter. Hogweed has been reported in scattered locations in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Pacific Northwest regions. It grows well in a variety of habitats but prefers moist, rich soils in disturbed areas such as riverbanks, ditches and railroad right-of-ways. It spreads by seed. Do not cultivate, plant, purchase, or transplant this plant. If found, notify your state Department of Agriculture of the exact location and request assistance with control.

More info for the terms: nonnative species, phase

Giant hogweed is a nonnative species currently (2009) restricted to the western and eastern parts of North America. In western North America, giant hogweed occurs in British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. In eastern North America, giant hogweed occurs from Newfoundland and Nova Scotia west to Ontario and Wisconsin and south to Indiana, Maryland, and New Jersey ([35,36,42], NAPIS as cited in [13]). Giant hogweed is native to the western Caucasus Mountains of Georgia, Azerbaijan, and southern Russia [42].

In 2003, researchers reported that the range of giant hogweed was expanding in Washington, Oregon, and the northeastern United States [11]. In 1992, giant hogweed occurred in 9 Washington counties [60]. As of 2008, giant hogweed populations in Oregon were limited to areas surrounding Portland and Salem [40]. Giant hogweed is widespread in southwestern Ontario, and localized populations occur in southern Quebec, New Brunswick, Cape Breton, and eastern Newfoundland [42]. In New York, giant hogweed occurs in western and central portions of the state [14]. As of 1996, about 40 small giant hogweed populations occurred around Ithaca (Cope, personal communication, as cited in [76]). Scattered giant hogweed populations occur throughout Massachusetts [26]. Plants Database provides a distributional map of giant hogweed. As of this writing (2009), however, the map did not include Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Nova Scotia, or Newfoundland as states or provinces with giant hogweed populations, although several sources [13,35,36,42] indicate that it occurs in these areas.

Introduction to North America: Giant hogweed was likely introduced to North America as a garden "curiosity" because of its extremely large size and impressive flower [42,74] but could have been introduced through spice importation, since its seeds are used in Middle Eastern cuisine [35]. Giant hogweed occurred in North America as early as 1917 [13].

Giant hogweed source populations in western North America were likely planted by horticulturalists [40,48]. On southeastern Vancouver Island, giant hogweed was first collected in 1964 [42], but reports of giant hogweed in southwestern British Columbia were published in the 1930s (Federation of British Columbia Naturalists Newsletter 1978, as cited in [8]). Giant hogweed has been present in Seattle, Washington, since the early 1950s (Hitchcock, personal communication, as cited in [33]). Using details about current giant hogweed habitats in western Washington and northwestern Oregon, researchers predicted that disturbed riparian habitats in the Cascade, Sierran Steppe, and Rocky Mountain ecoregions are susceptible to giant hogweed invasion [43].

In eastern Canada and the United States, giant hogweed was likely introduced as a horticultural plant [23,42]. Giant hogweed was introduced to New York state in about 1917 [23], and reports suggest that it occurred in southern Ontario by the late 1940s or early 1950s [33,74]. As of 1975, giant hogweed populations along Ontario's Saugeen River were described as "firmly established" and "very much at home" [32]. Giant hogweed was first collected from Nova Scotia in 1980 and from Quebec in 1990 [42]. It was first reported in Michigan in 1991, and the nearest known source population was in Ontario [5]. Giant hogweed was first reported in New Brunswick in 2000 [42], in Vermont in 2002, in Maryland in 2003, and in Indiana in 2004 (NAPIS, as cited in [13]).

Local distribution changes: Several studies indicate that giant hogweed is expanding its range in western and eastern North America [11]. Giant hogweed established and spread in a relatively short period of time on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Within 40 years of its introduction, it spread along a 7.5-mile (12 km) stretch of French Creek. In some areas, populations occur 260 to 330 feet (80-100 m) from the creek's edge [9]. Over 4 years of observations in Seattle, Washington, giant hogweed populations increased in size and number each year [75]. As of 1990, the spread of giant hogweed in New York has been described as "slow but steady" (Hahn, personal communication, as cited in [75]).

In-depth studies of giant hogweed's spread have been conducted in several nonnative European habitats. In the United Kingdom, giant hogweed was planted in the Kew Botanical Garden in 1817 and was first reported as an escaped ornamental in 1828. In the Czech Republic, giant hogweed established in a noncultivated area 15 years after its introduction in 1862 [19,50,54]. Giant hogweed experienced a lag phase that lasted over 80 years in the Czech Republic. By 1943, though, spread was exponential. Major waterways were important to the early spread of giant hogweed. Although 90% of spread was from riparian source populations, spread was more rapid in nonriparian than riparian habitats (P<0.01) [49,56]. Throughout the West Bohemia area of the Czech Republic, researchers estimated giant hogweed spread rates from aerial photos taken between 1947 (before giant hogweed establishment) to 2000. The average aerial spread rate was 1,261 m²/year and ranged from 139 m² to 3,275 m²/year. The average linear spread rate was 10.8 m/year and ranged from 3.8 m to 26.7 m/year. Because linear and aerial spread rates were not highly correlated, researchers suggested that long-distance dispersal events were important to the spread of giant hogweed [34].

Canada

Origin: Exotic

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Unknown/Undetermined

Confidence: Confident

United States

Origin: Exotic

Regularity: Regularly occurring

Currently: Unknown/Undetermined

Confidence: Confident

Western Caucasus.

More info for the terms: forb, hypocotyl, monocarpic, perfect, root crown

Botanical description: This description covers characteristics that may be relevant to fire ecology and is not meant for identification. Keys for identification are available (e.g., [14,74]).

Aboveground description: Giant hogweed is a very large, monocarpic perennial forb that can reach 20 feet (5 m) tall [14,74]. While some references suggest that plants can flower at 2 years old [13,36], field research indicates that the earliest flowering age is 3 years [3,47]. The oldest plant observed in flower on an extremely dry site in the Czech Republic was 12 years old [45]. The majority of research indicates that giant hogweed dies after flowering, although one researcher reportedly observed a postflowering sprout in southern Ontario [33]. Giant hogweed × eltrot hybrids flower for mutliple years [63]. Potential nonmonocarpic behavior is discussed in Vegetative regeneration. For more on flowering, see Seed production.

Giant hogweed produces a single, hollow stem that may be 6 inches (15 cm) wide at the base [36,42,70]. Stems are distinguished from other cowparsnip (Heracleum) species by their purple blotches [14,40] and blisters or bumps with erect hairs [40]. Giant hogweed leaves are alternate, 3-part compound, and enormous. Lower leaves measure up to 10 feet (3 m) long and 5.6 feet (1.7 m) wide. Leaf size decreases up the stem [11,13,14]. At the flowering stage, plants typically have 4 to 6 stem leaves and 3 to 4 basal leaves [70]. Flowers are arranged in compound umbels that may reach 2.5 feet (0.8 m) in diameter [13,40]. Flowers open first on the terminal umbel. Flowers in the outer umbellets open first, and opening progresses inward [63]. Terminal umbels produce perfect flowers, while most flowers on lateral or secondary umbels are male [42,47,63]. Although lower umbels produce mostly male flowers, a review reports that researchers in West Bohemia observed female flower production on late-developing umbels on short basal shoots [47]. Giant hogweed fruits are dry schizocarps measuring 6 to 18 mm long and 4 to 10 mm wide [42].

Belowground description: Typically giant hogweed produces a thick, branched taproot and tightly clustered, fibrous roots [7,45]. Roots extend 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm) deep. Lateral roots are often finer than vertical roots. Root thickness and branching increase with plant age, resulting in a "multi-taproot system" [70]. The root crown can grow to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter and becomes lignified when giant hogweed reaches flowering age. Root crowns are often found up to 5 inches (12 cm) below ground ([70], Perrier 2001 as cited in [13]). Root crowns have contraction rings capable of shrinking the area between the crown and the shoot and protecting the hypocotyl from extreme temperatures [41].

Research in Ireland showed that giant hogweed's root system may be modified on shallow soils. In shallow soils, plants lacked a tap root and developed a laterally spreading root system. For information on the effects of shallow soil on plant growth and seed production, see Seed production.

Important note: The sap produced by giant hogweed is toxic and causes photodermatitis. When skin is exposed to sap and the sun, severe skin rashes, blisters, and possibly permanent scarring or staining can occur [48,74]. Giant hogweed sap in the eyes can cause temporary or possibly permanent blindness [35]. Sap is considered most toxic when the plant is in flower [7]. If skin contacts giant hogweed, exposed areas should be sheltered from sunlight and washed with cold water. A physician should be consulted [40]. Burns or blisters often appear within 24 to 48 hours of plant contact [36]. Photo © USDA APHIS PPQ Archive, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

Plant reaches 200-300 (350) cm.

More info for the terms: cover, density, peat

Descriptions of giant hogweed habitats in North America are less detailed than those of its nonnative European habitats. Characteristics of invaded European habitats may provide information about the susceptibility of habitats in North America, where giant hogweed is still expanding its range.

Giant hogweed is often described along roadways and waterways in North America, which have been important in the early spread of giant hogweed in Europe (see Spread, Impacts, and Control). Along French Creek on Vancouver Island, giant hogweed initially established on alluvial stream bank soils but more recently, giant hogweed has spread into adjacent woodlands (Wall, personal observation, as cited in [42]). This same pattern was noted in northern Vancouver (Page, personal observation, as cited in [42]). In Washington and Oregon, giant hogweed occurs in riparian areas, disturbed sites, and along roads [11]. In the eastern Midwest, giant hogweed habitats include roadsides, stream banks, railway embankments, and abandoned fields [7]. Giant hogweed occurs in the sandy gravel along roadsides and ditches in eastern Ontario and western Quebec (Darbyshire, personal observation, as cited in [42]). Open woodlands, canals, streams, roadsides, and vacant lots support giant hogweed populations in New England and New York [28,36].

In Europe, giant hogweed is common in unplowed pastures, meadows, riparian areas, and forest clearings in high-humidity areas with nitrogen-rich, basic soils [61], although many soil types are tolerated. During a survey of giant hogweed-invaded habitats in northwestern England, none of the habitat charactersitics measured (altitude, slope, distance from water, bank top width, and water quality) consistently predicted giant hogweed's occurrence. Researchers proposed that either habitat characteristics were too broad or giant hogweed's tolerances too general for good prediction and concluded that "almost all United Kingdom banksides (we)re susceptible to invasion" [10]. Using logistic regression modeling, researchers found that human population density (P<0.0001), low winter temperatures (P=0.002), and moraine clay (P=0.001) significantly predicted the distribution of giant hogweed on a national scale in Denmark. At the regional scale within Denmark, predictive variables were human population density (P<0.0001), alluvial sand cover (P=0.001), and spring precipitation (P=0.01) [37]. In West Bohemia, researchers comparing invaded and uninvaded sites found that giant hogweed did not occur in vegetation types with acidic soils, including peat bogs, birch (Betula spp.) woodlands, and spruce (Picea spp.) forests. Habitat susceptibility increased with increased light availability (P=0.0117), increased soil reaction indicators (P=0.0004), increased dispersal potential (P<0.001), and increased disturbance (P<0.001) [57].

Climate: The climates in giant hogweed's native and nonnative ranges are similar. In the Western Greater Caucasus region, giant hogweed occupies habitats from 160 to 7,200 feet (50-2,200 m) [68]. In this area, January temperatures can range from -33 to 61 °F (-36 to 16 °C) and July temperatures from 27 to 95 °F (-3 to 35 °C). Based on 30 years of data, annual precipitation averaged 34 inches (863 mm) [45]. Several reviews have summarized the prevailing climates in giant hogweed's nonnative range. Plants generally grow best in northern temperate climates [70]. Cold winters are common in giant hogweed-invaded habitats and are likely necessary for successful germination and establishment (Tiley and others 1996, as cited in [13]). Giant hogweed seedlings are frost resistant (Godefroid 1998, as cited in [42]). While moist sites are preferred, moderate summer droughts are also tolerated [70]. In Canada, giant hogweed is considered "most invasive" in cool, moist climates, and populations occur as far north as Kapuskasing, Ontario. Giant hogweed is also found on seashores and tolerates salt spray [42].

During population and growth studies conducted in Germany, giant hogweed suffered high mortality during a hot dry summer, but reproduction and recruitment from drought survivors was high [18]. In the Czech Republic, giant hogweed's distribution was significantly related to January isotherms (P=0.003). Giant hogweed was less common in areas with warm winters. Average June isotherms, annual precipitation, and elevation did not significantly affect giant hogweed's distribution [51]. Distribution was also affected by human population density; for more about this see Spread, Impacts, and Control. When germination, establishment, and growth of giant hogweed were evaluated along elevation gradients in the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic, researchers found that limitations to dispersal explained giant hogweed's distribution better than climate. At all sites tested from 30 to 2,000 feet (10-600 m), more than 80% of giant hogweed seed germinated. Second-year survival of giant hogweed was lowest at the highest-elevation, coldest-climate site but was still almost 30% [77].

Soils: In most reviews, giant hogweed is described on deep, moist soils with nearly neutral pH and moderate to high nutrient content. Soil textures in giant hogweed habitats may be gravels, sands, loams, or clays. Moist soils are preferred, and waterlogged and winter-flooded soils are tolerated but extended periods of inundation are not [13,28,42,70]. Giant hogweed seeds rot quickly on sites inundated for long periods [70]. The pH reported from giant hogweed habitats ranged from 4 to 8.5 [68].

In southern Ontario, giant hogweed is often found on deep, rich, moist soils [33]. In Germany, giant hogweed was most common on loamy soils. Giant hogweed-invaded sites had an average pH of 5.6, experienced rapid nutrient cycling, were well aerated, and received a "good supply" of water [65]. In Edinburgh, Scotland, giant hogweed populations occurred on soils with pH levels ranging from 5 to 9 and organic matter contents ranging from 3.1% to 8.7% [6].

More info for the term: softwood

In its native western Caucasus range, giant hogweed occurs primarily
in meadows, clearings, or forest edges (Mandenova 1950, as cited in [22]).
Giant hogweed is common in "alluvial softwood forests" in
foothills and valley bottoms, forest clearings and abandoned grasslands
in the montane zone, and tall herbaceous vegetation in the subalpine zone
of the Western Greater Caucasus region [68].
In its nonnative North American range, giant hogweed is most
common in riparian areas, open woodlands, and abandoned pasture
or agricultural lands [11,28,36,40]. On Vancouver Island, initial
giant hogweed establishment occurred on alluvial stream banks
but soon populations spread into adjacent woodlands (personal observations
by Wall and Page, cited in [42]). Past land use, disturbances, shading,
and other site characteristics are likely more important than habitat
type in determining a site's susceptibility to invasion. For more on
these topics, see the Successional Status and Site Characteristics sections.

In Great Britain and/or Ireland:
Foodplant / parasite
cleistothecium of Erysiphe heraclei parasitises live Heracleum mantegazzianum

Foodplant / miner
larva of Euleia heraclei mines live leaf of Heracleum mantegazzianum

Foodplant / open feeder
larva of Phaedon tumidulus grazes on live leaf of Heracleum mantegazzianum
Remarks: season: -late 8
Other: uncertain

More info for the term: prescribed fire

Potential for postfire establishment and spread: Although information about fire in giant hogweed habitats is lacking, managers could expect giant hogweed to sprout following fire, since its recovery following stem injury is well established [41,70]. Open, burned areas could also provide suitable habitat for seedling establishment if a seed source exists. Giant hogweed is dispersed by a variety of vectors (see Seed dispersal). Burned sites in the vicinity of established giant hogweed populations should be monitored for giant hogweed seedlings for several years, and appropriate control measures taken.

Use of prescribed fire as a control agent: While a 2006 review reports that there were no known uses of fire to control giant hogweed [42], some suggest burning areas where giant hogweed was cut should limit seed production and dispersal [4,52]. Because viable seed can be produced on cut stems and the loss of seed during the transport of flowering or fruiting stems from an invaded site is possible, fire may be useful to dispose of cut stems following cutting treatments [52].

More info for the terms: fire regime, severity

FIRE REGIMES in giant hogweed's native range were not described in the reviewed literature. Pysek and Morvcova [53] report that fire is not common in giant hogweed's native and nonnative European habitats. Giant hogweed's preference for moist sites suggests that fires may be infrequent and burn with low severity in its nonnative North American habitats. A complete absence of fire in invaded North American sites, however, is unlikely. See the Fire Regime Table for further information on FIRE REGIMES in vegetation communities where giant hogweed may occur.

More info on this topic.

More info for the terms: cover, density, shrub, shrubs, tree

Most studies and observations indicate that giant hogweed establishes best in recently disturbed sites dominated by early-seral vegetation. After establishment, populations may spread into more successionally advanced vegetation types. In giant hogweed-invaded sites, full sunlight is common, although giant hogweed also occurs in shaded habitats. Although common on disturbed sites, giant hogweed abundance typically decreases with tilling and repeated mowing. Giant hogweed may grow best on sites that were disturbed prior to its establishment but remain undisturbed after its establishment.

In Germany, the highest density of giant hogweed occurred in areas dominated by early-seral vegetation. Generally, the cover of giant hogweed decreased with increasing successional age of the site. Of the plots invaded by giant hogweed, 71% occurred in abandoned fields, pastures, grasslands, or "other derelict land". Giant hogweed densities were low in managed areas that were grazed or mowed regularly. Densities were much greater on sites where grazing or mowing had been discontinued or occurred irregularly. "Recent" mechanical disturbances occurred on 27% of invaded plots, and periodic flooding occurred on 34% of invaded plots. The number of flowering giant hogweed plants on 25-m² plots was 5 in woodlands, 26 in managed grasslands, and 37 in ruderal grasslands. Researchers noted that fruit production was "strongly reduced" on managed grasslands [65,68].

Giant hogweed population density was higher on grazed pastures than in undisturbed habitats in the Czech Republic, but plants took longer to flower in pastures than on undisturbed sites (P<0.001). In pastures, vegetative plants likely made up a large portion of the population. In giant hogweed's native Caucasus habitats, population density and flowering age were not different between pastures and undisturbed areas. Pastures in the Czech Republic were grazed 3 times/year by sheep, and in Caucasus, grazing was less extensive. The proportion of flowering plants in the youngest age class in unmanaged Czech and Caucasus sites was 89% and 31%, respectively. Differences in the flowering age between unmanaged Czech and Caucasus sites were likely related to elevation differences. Higher elevation sites in the Caucasus region likely experienced a shorter growing period [45].

Population density and flowering age of giant hogweed in native and nonnative pasture and unmanaged habitats [45] Habitat Population density (individuals/m²) Average flowering age (years) Maximum flowering age (years) Native, unmanaged 4.38 4 7 Native, pasture 4.99 5 7 Nonnative, unmanaged 4.58 3 4 Nonnative, pasture 11.17 5 7

Shading: In its nonnative North American range, giant hogweed is described in full-sun, part-shade, and full-shade conditions [26,28,33]. While a wide range of shade tolerance is also reported in giant hogweed's nonnative European habitats [4,65], most studies indicate that giant hogweed is more common in full sun or partial shade. In central European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests in Switzerland and Denmark, giant hogweed "occasionally invades" gaps created by tree fall, but with canopy closure, giant hogweed abundance decreases until it is eventually eliminated (Ravn, unpublished observations, cited in [59]). In Germany, 46% of giant hogweed-invaded sites were classified as full light, 32% as light, 15% as semi-shade, and 7% as shade. Researchers described plant growth as "fair" in partial shade. Giant hogweed did not occur beneath deeply shaded closed-canopy woodlands but did occur beneath sparse canopies, in canopy gaps, and at woodland edges. Shrubs rarely occurred in giant hogweed-invaded sites. Maximum shrub cover in giant hogweed stands was 10% [65].

Most research indicates that giant hogweed dies after flowering and that vegetative regeneration is restricted to damaged plants or hybrids. During extensive studies of giant hogweed in its native Caucasus habitats and in its nonnative habitats in the Czech Republic, all plants were "strictly monocarpic" [45]. In southern Ontario, however, field observations led Morton [33] to suspect that some giant hogweed plants sprouted after flowering. European researchers have suggested that Morton mistook a seedling near a dead stem for a vegetative sprout but acknowledged that perennial species occur within the Heracleum genus and suggested that a perennial giant hogweed growth form may be possible [45,47].

It is generally accepted that giant hogweed hybrids may be perennial and that sprouting occurs when flowering plants are damaged. Giant hogweed × eltrot hybrids, produced when eltrot was the maternal parent, reproduced successfully and did not die after flowering. Hybrids are likely short-lived, however. Naturally occurring hybrids found in southern Scotland in 1977 were not found in 1982 [63]. Damaged giant hogweed plants may sprout following damage and survive until their flowering year [70]. In late June in Germany, giant hogweed cut at the base flowered within 3 weeks of cutting [41]. For more on the survival of damaged plants, see Spread, Impacts, and Control.

More info for the term: density

Research and observations suggest that giant hogweed establishment is more likely on open or disturbed sites than on sites with established vegetation, especially grasses. Generally, seedling survival is low and may be even lower on shaded or flooded sites. Pergl and others [44] report in a review that the probability of giant hogweed establishment is very low in undisturbed grasslands and other vegetation types, but that in already invaded sites, the dying parent provides an open site for establishment. In Ireland, giant hogweed establishment is typically greatest on previously disturbed sites [4]. In mid-summer in a dense grassland in the Czech Republic, there were 56 giant hogweed seedlings on a 1-m² plot next to an adult plant that flowered and died in the previous season (Pergl and Perglova, unpublished work, as cited in [44]). In the Czech Republic, the density of giant hogweed seedlings was not related to adult plant density or seed bank density (Pergl, unpublished work, as cited in [44]).

Survival: The percentage of giant hogweed seedlings surviving an entire year is often low. Reports on seedling survival in North America were lacking as of this writing (2009). During field monitoring of 2 Ireland sites, 1.2% to 13.7% of giant hogweed seedlings survived until August of the emergence year [3]. In Germany, survival of giant hogweed seedlings was less than 1% (Huls 2005, as cited in [44]), and from March to June in Scotland, the survival of giant hogweed seedlings and immature plants was about 2.5% (Caffrey 2001, cited in [44]). In the Czech Republic, less than 1% of giant hogweed seedlings survived 1 year. The probability of giant hogweed seedling survival to the next year increased with increasing leaf number and length of the longest leaf (Pergl, unpublished work, as cited in [44]).

Flooded or shaded conditions may decrease the survival of giant hogweed seedlings. Seedlings along a river in Germany did not survive summer flooding [65]. In Scotland, 400 giant hogweed seedlings/m² occurred soon after seed bank germination, but density dropped to 33 seedlings/m² beneath the shading of giant hogweed adults present by mid-summer [70].

Growth rate: Reports about the growth rate of giant hogweed seedlings are conflicting [4,11,70]. Without more information, it is difficult to know if these reports conflict because of regional differences or because of different reference points. In a laboratory study, giant hogweed seedlings grew 0.155 to 0.186 g/g/day. Seedlings grown from seed collected in the terminal umbel grew most rapidly. The relative growth rate of giant hogweed seedlings ranked 34th highest among 117 herbaceous species occurring in the United Kingdom. Giant hogweed seedlings grew at rates similar to those of grasses [44].

More info for the term: fresh

Giant hogweed seeds require cold, moist stratification [30], and early spring germination is most common in giant hogweed's nonnative range [3,36,42,44]. High germination percentages are reported from laboratory studies [29,42]. A review reports that germination can occur in the dark, and that giant hogweed germinates well on recent deposits along river banks, in organic matter in woodlands, and in open areas with "adequate" light and moisture [70].

In laboratory tests, giant hogweed germination percentages were as high as 91% [29]. Fifty to eighty percent of seeds collected from overwintering stems in Ontario and Quebec germinated at room temperature in the laboratory (Darbyshire, unpublished data, cited in [42]). For 1,680 seeds collected in the western Czech Republic, germination averaged 91.1% in the laboratory. Germination percentages were not related to seed size or position on the plant (terminal, lateral, or satellite umbels). The largest seeds were produced in terminal umbels and germinated faster than small seeds, but final germination percentages were not different between large and small seeds [29].

In British Columbia, giant hogweed seeds germinate in late winter or early spring (Wall, personal observation, as cited in [42]). In New York, seed germination begins in early spring but may continue throughout the growing season [36]. On 2 sites in Ireland, giant hogweed first emerged in February. Emergence peaked in late April and decreased thereafter [3]. In West Bohemia, the majority of germination occurred after snowmelt, generally in April. No new giant hogweed seedlings emerged after May, and there was no germination in the fall (Pergl and others, unpublished information, as cited in [44]). Fall germination has been observed by researchers in Poland, Ireland, and Scotland [44].

Seeds from cut umbels may still germinate [52]. This is important when considering potential control methods and site clean-up. For more on this topic, see the Spread, Impacts, and Control section.

Stratification: Giant hogweed seeds exhibit morphophysiological dormancy. Embryos of ripe seeds are not fully developed, and dormancy is broken by cold, wet conditions [30]. Almost no seedlings emerged from soils collected in October in northeastern Zealand, Denmark. Emergence was much greater from soils collected in March, suggesting cold temperature exposure increased germination [1]. In the Czech Republic, 99.7% of seeds shed in the fall were dormant, but by spring, only 12% of seeds were dormant [22]. Fresh giant hogweed seeds collected from the Sheffield region of England did not germinate in the laboratory. After 2 months of cold, moist stratification, 40% of seeds germinated. Germination percentages between stratified and fresh seed were significantly different (P<0.001) [16]. A review reports that giant hogweed seeds failed to germinate when dried before exposure to cold temperatures [70].

Temperature: After giant hogweed seeds collected in the Czech Republic were stratified, germination percentages were greatest (93%) at alternating temperatures of 41 and 68 °F (5 and 20°C). At a constant temperature of 43 °F (6 °C), germination was 88%. Germination was poorest at a constant temperature of 72 °F (22 °C). Seeds at low constant temperatures germinated slowly over a long period of time. Stratification was typically successful after 2 months or more at temperatures below 50 ° F (10 °C), and dormancy returned with increasing temperature. Researchers predicted that giant hogweed may produce a fraction of seeds that require multiple seasons to break dormancy [30,31].

More info for the terms: density, fresh

The majority of giant hogweed seeds germinate within a year of their production; however, a small portion may persist in the soil at least 3 years and perhaps as long as 7 years. A review reports that at least one giant hogweed seed was viable after 15 years of indoor storage, but that in the field seeds did not germinate after 7 years in the soil [13]. After 7 years of sheep grazing in a meadow in Zealand, Denmark, giant hogweed was eliminated from the grazed area and no seedlings emerged from soil samples collected from the grazed sites. Prior to their elimination, plants on grazed sites did not set seed, suggesting that the giant hogweed seed bank may be depleted in less than 7 years [1].

Giant hogweed seeds collected in western Czech Republic and stored in dry conditions for up to 3 years germinated at a significantly lower percentage than fresh seed (P<0.001). For all temperatures tested, 30% to 93% of fresh seed germinated. After a year of storage, 2% to 41% of seeds germinated, and after 3 years of storage, 0% to 9% germinated. In a field experiment, an average of 8.8% of buried giant hogweed seed germinated after a year in the soil, 2.7% germinated after 2 years in the soil, and 1.2% germinated after 3 years in the soil. Researchers noted that, given giant hogweed's prolific seed production, even a low percentage of seed survival would allow for some establishment [31]. After 1 year of burial, most nongerminating seeds had fully developed embryos, although some had only partially developed embryos [30].

Generally, giant hogweed seeds are abundant in the soil near flowering plants. The majority of seeds occur in the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil. When soil samples were collected from up to 6-inch (15 cm) depths in the Czech Republic, 95% of giant hogweed seeds were recovered from the top 2 inches (5 cm) [22]. A review reports that in a large giant hogweed stand in Germany there were as many as 2,664 giant hogweed seeds per m² [70]. In the Czech Republic, the seed bank was nearly depleted with spring germination. Viable seed density averaged 3,759 seeds/m² in the fall, 2,044 seeds/m² in the spring, and 192 seeds/m² in the summer. Researchers estimated there were 386 million nondormant seeds at the time of spring germination in the largest giant hogweed population, which occupied 1,066,900 feet² (99,121 m²) [22].

More info for the term: metapopulation

While the majority of wind-dispersed giant hogweed seeds fall near the parent plant, long-distance dispersal is often facilitated by water, animals, and people. In western Scotland, 60% to 90% of giant hogweed seeds fell within 13 feet (4 m) of the parent plant (unpublished data, as cited in [69]). During field studies in Ireland, Caffrey [3] found that 95% of seeds fell within 33 feet (10 m) of parent plants, but a few seeds occurred up to 160 feet (50 m) from parent plants. Caffrey suspected that seed found 160 feet (50 m) from seed-producing plants was transported by people. Field observations in Germany showed that 75% of giant hogweed seeds fell within 47 inches (120 cm) of the parent plant. The maximum seed dispersal distance was 33 feet (10 m) [41].

Wind: In a wind tunnel, giant hogweed seeds dispersed a maximum distance of 31 inches (80 cm) when released from a height of 2.3 feet (0.7 m) in wind speeds of 18 feet (5.5 m)/second [6]. Based on observations made in northwestern England, researchers suspected that wind dispersed giant hogweed seed 16 feet (5 m) from the parent plant [10]. When researchers removed leaves from giant hogweed plants in the Czech Republic, plants produced seeds that were lighter than untreated plants. Assuming lighter seeds could be dispersed further by wind than heavier seeds, cutting in giant hogweed stands may affect potential dispersal and metapopulation dynamics [52]. For more on this study, see Physical or mechanical control in the Management Considerations section of this review.

Water: Giant hogweed seeds may float in water for up to 2 days, and transport in waterways and flood water is common. Clegg and Grace [6] found that giant hogweed seeds floated 1.5 to 2 days in moving water and 3 days in stagnant water before sinking. They calculated that seeds could be transported more than 6.2 miles (10 km) in a river with a surface velocity of 0.3 feet (0.1 m)/second. Moravcova (unpublished results, cited in [30]) reported that 6-month-old giant hogweed seeds sank within 8 hours in water. Importance of water to the transport of giant hogweed seed is also discussed in Spread, Impacts, and Control.

Localized winter flooding may also disperse giant hogweed seeds. Giant hogweed was eliminated from a meadow in northeastern Zealand, Denmark, after 7 years of sheep grazing. No giant hogweed seedlings emerged from soil samples collected from grazed sites, but a few seedlings emerged on grazed sites in the field. Researchers thought seed was dispersed from adjacent ungrazed sites by sporadic flooding during the previous wet winter [1]. A review reports that winter floods can detach entire giant hogweed skeletons, transporting entire umbels [70].

Animals: Animals may disperse giant hogweed seed. Although giant hogweed seeds were not taken by birds in Edinburgh, Scotland [6], researchers suggested that giant hogweed populations in Michigan may have resulted from bird dispersal, because dispersal from the nearest source population in Ontario by water was unlikely [5]. Cattle may have dispersed giant hogweed seed, based on observations of invaded sites in northwestern England. Whether seed was transported in hide, hooves, or dung was not discussed [10].

Humans: Through the collection of flowers, movement of soil, intentional plantings, and importation of seed, humans have been important in giant hogweed seed dispersal. In British Columbia, a landowner observed a couple load their truck with dried giant hogweed stalks and umbels and drive away [9]. In north Vancouver, British Columbia, soil movement was important to the introduction of giant hogweed seed (Page, personal observation, as cited in [42]). In New York, giant hogweed has been dispersed by intentional plantings and the collection of dried fruits [36]. During a survey of giant hogweed-invaded sites in northwestern England, researchers suspected seed was transported by equipment or vehicles [10]. A review reports that giant hogweed is a preferred honeybee food and that beekeepers in Europe aided in the dispersal of giant hogweed [13].

Giant hogweed seed is often intercepted by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service personnel. Seeds are often brought to North America by Middle Eastern tourists, who use the seeds as a spice (Westbrooks and Preacher 1986, as cited in [76]). At Sea-Tac airport, giant hogweed is one of the most frequently intercepted noxious weed seeds. Seed is typically found in the personal baggage of passengers, especially those from Iran [62]. Importance of human activities in the dispersal of giant hogweed is also discussed in the Spread, Impacts, and Control section.

Giant hogweed is a prolific seed producer, but reports of a single plant producing 100,000 seeds [3] are greatly exaggerated [13,47]. In western Caucasus and the Czech Republic, giant hogweed seed production ranged from 10,000 to 46,470 seeds/plant [45,46]. On the River Ayr in western Scotland, the maximum number of flowers on a single large giant hogweed plant was 81,500, and the maximum number of seeds produced by a single large plant was 52,800 [71]. It is likely that reports of 100,000 seeds produced per giant hogweed plant were calculated by doubling the number of flowers produced. Although each female flower is capable of producing 2 seeds, plants also produce a large number of male flowers. Counting all flowers as potential seeds vastly overestimates seed production [47]. Although plants do not produce 100,000 seeds/plant, giant hogweed does have an "enormous reproductive capacity" [46].

Plant age: Giant hogweed plants typically do not flower until 3 years of age. Of 302 flowering giant hogweed plants in western Caucasus and in the Czech Republic, all were at least 3 years old before producing seed. On an extremely dry site in the Czech Republic, flowering was delayed and the majority of plants flowered at 5 to 8 years of age. A single plant reached 12 years old before flowering. Flowering age differed between native and nonnative habitats and with past land use. For more information, see Successional Status.

Site conditions/plant growth: Several studies indicate that as giant hogweed height increases so does seed production. Because plant growth is often dictated by site conditions, relationships between site conditions and seed production should be expected. In Switzerland, giant hogweed plants in lowland habitats were taller and produced about twice as many flowers as those in montane or subalpine habitats (Jakob and others 1998, as cited in [41]). On field sites in Ireland, plant height and seed production were positively correlated (P<0.05). On sites where soil depths were 6 inches (15 cm) or less, giant hogweed averaged 59 inches (149 cm) tall, and seed production averaged 13,884 seeds/plant. On sites with "no soil depth restriction", plants averaged 110 inches (278 cm) tall, and seed production averaged 42,068 seeds/plant. Differences in seed production between the shallowest soil and deepest soil sites were significant (P<0.001). In this area, the researcher reported that a single plant produced 107,984 seeds [3]. Other researchers [13,47] suspect that seed production was estimated by doubling flower production, which would overestimate seed production. On the River Ayr, giant hogweed plants growing in light shade (38.9% of ambient) averaged 11 feet (3.4 m) tall and produced 208 g of seeds that individually weighed 2.25 g. In deep shade (12.6% of a mbient), plants averaged 9.5 feet (2.9 m) tall and produced 101 g of seeds that individually weighed an average of 1.18 g [71]. It is important to note that heavier seeds typically germinate faster than lighter seeds, but final germination percentages of light and heavy seeds are not significantly different (see Germination).

In West Bohemia, giant hogweed flower production was related to plant diameter and flowering date. Earlier flowering dates and increased basal diameters were correlated with increased flower production (P≤0.001). Researchers suggested that pollinators and climate were also important to flower production. Population characteristics and chemical composition of the soil did not significantly affect fecundity [46].

More info for the term: natural

Giant hogweed flowers are self compatible and pollinated by insects [13]. In an experimental garden in Pruhonice, Czech Republic, fruit production, which ranged from 87.7% to 92.0%, was not significantly different between open-pollinated, manually outcrossed, and manually self-pollinated flowers. Nearly 4% of flowers protected from pollinators set fruit (Perglova, unpublished data, cited in [47]). During controlled studies on giant hogweed plants collected in southeastern Scotland, just 1% of flowers that were self-pollinated within the primary umbel set seed. In the primary umbel, protandry restricted the success of self fertilization. Self-pollination between flowers in the primary umbel and flowers in lower order umbels produced 68% seed set. An average of 64% of cross-pollinated flowers produced seed [63]. Field and garden studies conducted in West Bohemia revealed that male and female flowering phases overlapped for 99% of plants, suggesting that natural self fertilization is likely [46].

Although a review reports that giant hogweed's small, closely arranged, nectar-bearing flowers could be pollinated by any insect visitor [47], the most frequent insects on plants on southern Scotland's River Teriot were Coleopterans, Dipterans, Hemipterans, and Hymenopterans. Forty-eight insect species were caught on giant hogweed flowers [15]. In abandoned grasslands in southern Sealand, Denmark, giant hogweed received nearly 9 insect visits/umbel in 10 minutes of observations. Honeybees (Apis mellifera) were the most common visitors [38].

More info for the term: breeding system

Giant hogweed reproduces by seed, and plants die after flowering. Exceptions to this regeneration process are discussed in Vegetative regeneration.

• Pollination and breeding system
• Seed production
• Seed dispersal
• Seed banking
• Germination
• Seedling establishment and plant growth
• Vegetative regeneration

More info on this topic.

More info for the term: hemicryptophyte

Raunkiaer [58] life form:
Hemicryptophyte

More info for the term: forb

Forb

Follow this link to the U.S. Forest Service Fire Effects Information Service to see a table with fire regime information that may be relevant to habitats in which this species occurs

More info on this topic.

Very few studies reported on the seasonal development of giant hogweed in North America, but seasonal development is described for several nonnative European habitats, which may relate to similar North American climates. In Canada, first-year growth of giant hogweed is considered "slow", but in subsequent years growth begins earlier. In areas with mild winters, such as British Columbia, growth may begin as early as late December. Plants are thought to flower when they have reached a threshold root size. These plants generally have the greatest leaf development in the spring [42]. Flowering dates in Oregon are mid-May to July [40] and in New England are June to July [28].

In Ireland, giant hogweed growth and development were monitored on 7 sites. Maximum stem and leaf growth occurred from mid-May to mid-June, peak flowering occurred in late June, and most seeds had ripened and dispersed by late August [3]. Similar development was reported in a review from the United Kingdom. Overwintering plants began to grow in December. Basal leaves spread up to 20 inches (50 cm) by March, rosettes were 3 to 7 feet (1-2 m) tall by May, flower production peaked in early July, and plants senesced in September or October [70]. In the West Bohemia area of the Czech Republic, giant hogweed had flowers for an average of 36 days and a maximum of 60 days. Flowering began in mid- to late June and was highly synchronous. Within a week, some plants at all 10 monitored sites were flowering [46]. Roots of flowering plants died in mid-summer and by late summer were almost entirely decayed [45].

Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 0
Specimens with Barcodes: 2
Species With Barcodes: 1

Information on state-level noxious weed status of giant hogweed in the United States is available from Plants Database.

Noxious weed [72]

Rounded Global Status Rank: GNR - Not Yet Ranked

Canada

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

United States

Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable

These species are introduced in Switzerland.