Giant hogweed invades 3 N.B. communities

The New Brunswick Invasive Species Council is confirming that giant hogweed has invaded three communities in the province.

The council, which tracks invasive species in New Brunswick, said Heracleum mantegazzianum, or giant hogweed, has now been confirmed in Claire, Forest City and Moncton.

Sap from giant hogwood, which can stand up to five metres tall, can cause rashes and blisters on the skin when exposed to sunlight. If the plant's sap gets into a person's eyes, it can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

The poisonous plant has also been located in Nova Scotia and Ontario.

Each of the huge flower heads can produce up to 100,000 seeds that can lie dormant in the soil for up to 15 years.

Bob Fournier said giant hogweed has been growing at the edge of his Moncton property for up to five years.

Fournier said he's noticed more hogweed this season.

"I was a little concerned since I've been walking through it, mowing the grass and doing pretty much everything everybody's told me not to do," Fournier said.

"But I haven't had any injuries yet so I'm pretty happy about it. But yes, we'd like to take care of it and get rid of it."

Fournier said the plants are now invading his lawn and he's wondering who will clear the poisonous plants.

"It seems like we're having a bit of trouble finding out who's going to take care of this, whether it will be me the landowner, government, city," Fournier said.

"But at the moment it's looking like it's me."