Hogweed or look-a-like?

Dr. Alan V. Tasker, who manages the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Noxious Weed Program, says in states like Pennsylvania where authorities have inaugurated vigorous public awareness and hogweed eradication programs, “Most reports of giant hogweed turn out to be cow parsnip, angelica, hemlock or some other member of the carrot family.”

 

To learn more about the differences between hogweed and its close relatives, consult this excellent Penn State publication http://weeds.cas.psu.edu/hogweed.pdf

 

People who suspect they might have seen giant hogweed should call Cooperative Extension’s Family, Home & Garden Education Center Info Line, Monday - Friday, from 9 AM to 2 PM , prepared to describe the plant and its location. Do not touch the plant while trying to identify it.

 

If you believe you’ve made a positive identification of giant hogweed, please notify Doug Cygan, New Hampshire ’s Invasive Species Coordinator, at 271-3488.