(Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Status of giant hogweed in Tasmania
Giant hogweed is a
declared weed in Tasmania under the Tasmanian Biosecurity Act 2019 and associated Regulations. The importation, sale and distribution of giant hogweed are prohibited in Tasmania.
The legal responsibilities of landholders and other stakeholders in dealing with giant hogweed are laid out in the
Statutory Management Plan for Giant Hogweed.
What does giant hogweed look like?
Giant hogweed is an erect perennial (long-lived) herb which is distinguished by its size; the weed can grow to 3.5 metres when in flower, but can sometimes reach 7 metres in height. The stems are stout, hollow, with purple blotches. The leaves are large and deeply incised, resembling rhubarb leaves, and may grow to more than a metre in breadth. The undersides of the leaves are densely hairy. The flowers occur in broad, flat topped flower heads, and produce large dry fruits. The roots are tuberous and spreading and give rise to new buds each year.
Giant hogweed produces the first flowering stalk in its third, fourth or fifth year. After setting seed over summer, the plant dies in the following autumn.
Spread is by seed, and by buds formed on the crown and tuberous roots. Seed is spread by moving water, birds, and via the ornamental plant trade, dumping of garden waste and the spice trade.
Image top: Flowering stalk of Giant Hogweed, © Leslie J Mehrhoff.
Image above: Giant Hogweed, © Terry English.
Impacts of giant hogweed
Where does giant hogweed occur?
- Giant hogweed is a native of south west Asia and the Caucasus mountains. Giant hogweed has not naturalised on mainland Australia.
-
Giant hogweed has not naturalised in Tasmania. Giant hogweed has been recorded near Devonport in northern Tasmania, but appears to have been eradicated.
What you need to do
See also
Statutory Management Plan for Giant Hogweed
Weed Links and Resources
To the extent permitted by law, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (including its employees and consultants) excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using information or material (in part or in whole) contained on this website.