News

Giant Hogweed Hits Region

The Chicago Tribune and other news outlets recently reported on the appearance in Illinois of giant hogweed, Heracleum manteganzzianum , a Eurasian invader that can grow as tall as 14 feet. Initial reports place it in Lake Forest and The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

The ability of giant hogweed to cause painful photochemical reactions--this happens when its sap contacts skin exposed to sunlight--has generated much of the buzz about the plant, which has turned up in other midwestern states. But it is still rare here, and visitors to local natural areas are highly unlikely to encounter it.

The large-leafed plant, which has white umbrella-like flower clusters and resembles cow parsnip, wild parsnip, and angelica, typically grows in wet habitats.

Giant hogweed is one of 17 species on the New Invaders Watch List, a cooperative program that engages citizens to spot new invasive species that pose a threat to healthy ecosystems. For more information and pictures, or to report a sighting, click here.