Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife has raised local concerns with the Scottish Government regarding the danger of Giant Hogweed growing in local rivers and burns.
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), is a tall, cow parsley-like plant with thick bristly stems that are often purple-blotched. The flowers are white and held in umbels, (flat-topped clusters), with all the flowers in the umbel facing upwards. The flower heads can be as large as 60cm (2ft) across.
It can reach a height of 3.5m (11.5ft) and has a spread of about 1m (3.5ft). Giant hogweed is usually biennial, forming a rosette of jagged, lobed leaves in the first year before sending up a flower spike in the second and then setting seed. Giant hogweed is highly invasive and has spread throughout the whole of Great Britain, primarily favouring river banks.
The sap of Giant Hogweed contains toxic chemicals known as furanocoumarins. When these come into contact with the skin, and in the presence of sunlight, they cause a condition called phyto-photodermatitis: a reddening of the skin, often followed by severe burns and blistering. The burns can last for several months and even once they have died down the skin can remain sensitive to light for many years.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland & Fife said:
“Giant Hogweed is a very dangerous plant and poses a real threat to public health especially children with a significant number of cases being reported. The harmful plant spreads at aggressive rates and its sap can cause painful burns on the skin and even lead to blindness.
“I have become increasingly concerned for local children who may come across the plant along local river walks, not knowing the serious health effects the plant poses. Not only are people vulnerable to the Giant Hogweed, but many animals, such as dogs, are victims of this noxious plant as well. A number of dogs have already died this year in Scotland due to suspected Giant Hogweed.
“The removal of invasive Giant Hogweed has not progressed at the rate many would like to see and a number of local farmers have expressed concerns at the time and bureaucracy when they are actively looking to address the situation.
“It is vital that action is taken to remove Giant Hogweed and I have written to Scottish Government and SEPA to ask for a joint approach to remove this dangerous invasive plant from our local rivers and burns.”