Heracleum Mantegazzianum - Predators and Countermeasures

Predators and Countermeasures

Because of its phototoxicity and invasive nature, giant hogweed is often actively removed. In the UK, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it an offence to plant or cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild. It is also a common plant in marshy areas of Ireland.

Hogweed is regulated as a federal noxious weed by the US Government, and is therefore illegal to import into the United States or move interstate without a permit from the Department of Agriculture. The USDA Forest Service states pigs and cattle can eat it without apparent harm.

The New York DEC has had an active program to control giant hogweed since 2008, including reporting, database maintenance, and crews for removal or herbicide control.

In 2011, Maine state horticulturists, describing the plant as "Queen Anne's lace on steroids", reported the plant has been reported at 21 different locations in Maine, with the number of plants ranging from one to a hundred.