The leaves and flowers are very similar to that of cow parsley and the identification of Giant Hogweed is often confused for it. This makes it a huge threat to native forest areas, fields, and waterways in Ontario (Kawartha Lakes This Week (ON), 2016). The first record of this species in Ontario was in 1949. Giant Hogweed is very persistent and it spreads very easily, killing and replacing native plants. Ontario’s first confirmed record of this plant was in 1949. Though not native to Canada, the giant hogweed has been introduced and can be found in B.C., Ontario, Quebec and parts of Atlantic Canada.. Seeds spread by water are able to float for up to 3 days. It was most likely introduced to North America in the early 1900s as a garden plant. Giant hogweed ( Heracleum mantegazzianum) is one of New York's most striking and dangerous invasive plants.A member of the carrot or parsley family, it was originally from Eurasia, but was introduced to the United States and Canada in the early 1900s as an ornamental, for use in beekeeping and for the use of its seeds as a spice. Giant Hogweed is a perennial plant with a long taproot, and a thick stock that can reach heights of up to 6 m when flowering. What you need to know about giant hogweed. Giant hogweed is introduced as an ornamental plant and then proliferates and spreads. Giant Hogweed is a non-native species, brought to Canada from Southwest Asia, it poses a threat to our native species. Spreads naturally by winged seeds which may travel up to 10 m (approx. * Giant hogweed's introduction to Europe is mostly recorded. Introduced to North America as a horticultural species in the early 1900's. Today, giant hogweed has a scattered distribution across southern and central Ontario and has been found as far north as Kapuskasing. COVID-19: Get the latest updates , take a self-assessment or learn about the COVID Alert exposure-notification app . Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), also known as Giant cow parsnip is a perennial plant and a member of the carrot family. Giant Hogweed was introduced into the US as an ornamental plant. Giant hogweed was introduced to Canada via Asia, and it has thrived in our various climates. Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is a biennial plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae). In the UK, the species was sold as seed from Kew Botanical Gardens and had naturalized in Cambridgeshire by 1828. Giant hogweed was introduced to New York state in about 1917 , and reports suggest that it occurred in southern Ontario by the late 1940s or early 1950s [33,74]. This introduction method has occurred several times for this species. In summer, Giant Hogweed can reach a height of 5 metres. It is a garden ornamental from southwest Asia that is naturalizing in North America and becoming more common in southern an d central Ontario. Giant Hogweed was introduced to the UK in the early 19th Century. As of 1975, giant hogweed populations along Ontario's Saugeen River were described as "firmly established" and "very much at home" [ 32 ]. The main difference is the height and the fact that it can cause serious burns to the skin. Includes habitat, identifying features and what you can do to reduce its impact. Giant hogweed is listed under the Noxious Weeds in Ontario list and is listed as a restricted species under the Invasive Species Act. Description. Giant Hogweed is not currently abundant in the Credit River Watershed. 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