How to eradicate poisonous weeds
Posted 01-11-2016 at 11:53 AM by DavidRaonic
Weeds are a nuisance to gardeners and farmers, competing with flowers and crops for sunlight, moisture and nutrients. And then there are noxious weeds like wild parsnip and giant hogweed. While these invasive species look like innocent flowering weeds, they can cause serious damage to people and pets, so here's what you should know according to CropLife Canada.
Wild parsnip is a yellow-flowered invasive species that grows in ditches, wooded areas, and even on lawns. Giant hogweed is a close relative and is identifiable by its size and giant umbrella-shaped clusters of flowers. These weeds can also be found in vacant lots, along stream banks, and roadsides.
The sap from the leaves and stems of both of these plants is very dangerous to humans. The damage caused by the sap is intensified by the sun and can cause severe skin burns, swelling, and even blindness if the sap gets in the eyes. Skin burns from the plant often result in sun sensitivity that can last for years.
In Ontario, these plant relatives are classified as noxious weeds. This means they are a threat to human health and agriculture, and are difficult to manage. It also means that the province recognizes the weeds must be destroyed in the interest of public health. The safest and most effective way to deal with them is by using herbicides. The weeds spread through their plentiful seeds and grow voraciously. Simply cutting the plant back will not help, as the seeds can survive for two to five years, and puts you at risk of exposure to the sap.
Experts say herbicide treatments may be the best way to control the plant. Glyphosate is one of the most widely-used herbicides and can very efficiently control this noxious weed.
Herbicides are usually applied directly with a small, hand-held sprayer to target the plant and its seeds. Large growths of giant hogweed can also be managed by directly injecting the stem of the plant with an herbicide.
If you see these noxious weeds in your neighbourhood, take extreme caution to avoid touching them with your bare skin, and follow herbicide label directions. Eradicating them is the best way to keep everyone safe.
Wild parsnip is a yellow-flowered invasive species that grows in ditches, wooded areas, and even on lawns. Giant hogweed is a close relative and is identifiable by its size and giant umbrella-shaped clusters of flowers. These weeds can also be found in vacant lots, along stream banks, and roadsides.
The sap from the leaves and stems of both of these plants is very dangerous to humans. The damage caused by the sap is intensified by the sun and can cause severe skin burns, swelling, and even blindness if the sap gets in the eyes. Skin burns from the plant often result in sun sensitivity that can last for years.
In Ontario, these plant relatives are classified as noxious weeds. This means they are a threat to human health and agriculture, and are difficult to manage. It also means that the province recognizes the weeds must be destroyed in the interest of public health. The safest and most effective way to deal with them is by using herbicides. The weeds spread through their plentiful seeds and grow voraciously. Simply cutting the plant back will not help, as the seeds can survive for two to five years, and puts you at risk of exposure to the sap.
Experts say herbicide treatments may be the best way to control the plant. Glyphosate is one of the most widely-used herbicides and can very efficiently control this noxious weed.
Herbicides are usually applied directly with a small, hand-held sprayer to target the plant and its seeds. Large growths of giant hogweed can also be managed by directly injecting the stem of the plant with an herbicide.
If you see these noxious weeds in your neighbourhood, take extreme caution to avoid touching them with your bare skin, and follow herbicide label directions. Eradicating them is the best way to keep everyone safe.
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