Giant Hogweed Seeds Have Potential to Spread Till Seven Years
Though native to Asia and Caucasus region, Giant hogweed entered Britain in 19th century! Feared by its colonized nature (Yes, at least, Nature is a great leveler!); the country has to legislate this “dangerous” weed under Section 14(2) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. According to this law, a person who causes to “to grow in the wild any plant which is included in Part II of Schedule 9, he shall be guilty of an offence.” Now, we are just talking about law and offense in the beginning of the talk, and you are naturally baffled. After all what is the fault of giant hogweed also known as Heracleum mantegazzianum? Well, as they say, nobody is to blame, except the ways of Nature. Talking about its physique, it has inflorescence with flat topped umbel. This umbel is comprised of many small white florets with each cluster of up to a diameter of 2.5 feet. Having a notched edge, these sharp leaves have the potential to stretch up to 1.5 meter across and 3 meter long. So, does it mean that if the appearance is so sharp and scary, it actually is scary? Yes, by all means. It is a literal threat to other natural species including humans.
According to ecological consultants, Giant hogweed ’s saps have dangerous toxins that cause photo-dermatitis. Also, due to these harmful toxins, when the skin comes into direct contact with sunlight, it produces painful, burning blisters that may develop into purplish or blackened scars. Also, when this weed is grown up, the other plants and other natural resources are completely eaten up. And, therefore, there is a danger of erosion. Another fact that is even more dangerous is that even after the eradication of this weed, its seeds have the potential of germination for seven years. Therefore, it is not enough that you eradicate it completely. If a single seed has been left without eradication, you risk your soil for another attack of Giant hogweed. And, this is precisely the reason why it is difficult to remove this Giant hogweed on your own. Hence, help of ecological consultants is needed because it is their profession to guide you in the right direction and to help you get rid of this unwanted natural phenomenon.
The possible ways to eradicate this menace is to cut it from the root only with utmost care that the seeds are removed completely. Professional ecological consultants also suggest to go for flower removal, seed removal, mowing, and covering. But, there are many other besides these. These are rather natural remedies to remove Giant hogweed in case you do not want to use chemicals. Also, cutting this weed from the root does not make sense when it has spanned into a larger area. When you are adopting this method of cutting Giant hogweed from the root, you also need to monitor no new weeds are growing. In this way, to get rid of Giant hogweed is indeed a giant and mammoth task, but it can be made a little bearable with the help of professional ecological consultants.
According to ecological consultants, Giant hogweed ’s saps have dangerous toxins that cause photo-dermatitis. Also, due to these harmful toxins, when the skin comes into direct contact with sunlight, it produces painful, burning blisters that may develop into purplish or blackened scars. Also, when this weed is grown up, the other plants and other natural resources are completely eaten up. And, therefore, there is a danger of erosion. Another fact that is even more dangerous is that even after the eradication of this weed, its seeds have the potential of germination for seven years. Therefore, it is not enough that you eradicate it completely. If a single seed has been left without eradication, you risk your soil for another attack of Giant hogweed. And, this is precisely the reason why it is difficult to remove this Giant hogweed on your own. Hence, help of ecological consultants is needed because it is their profession to guide you in the right direction and to help you get rid of this unwanted natural phenomenon.
The possible ways to eradicate this menace is to cut it from the root only with utmost care that the seeds are removed completely. Professional ecological consultants also suggest to go for flower removal, seed removal, mowing, and covering. But, there are many other besides these. These are rather natural remedies to remove Giant hogweed in case you do not want to use chemicals. Also, cutting this weed from the root does not make sense when it has spanned into a larger area. When you are adopting this method of cutting Giant hogweed from the root, you also need to monitor no new weeds are growing. In this way, to get rid of Giant hogweed is indeed a giant and mammoth task, but it can be made a little bearable with the help of professional ecological consultants.
