Giant Hogweed - Staying Safe When Cycling
Giant hogweed poses a danger to cyclists because it grows in just the sort of places mountain bikers and gravel cyclists like to use - alongside trails, riverbanks, and woodland paths. Accidental contact with giant hogweed can occur when brushing against its leaves or stems and if the sap gets on your skin it could cause a nasty burn. In this page we will look at how to identify giant hogweed, how to protect yourself from it, what to do if you do get a burn, and what to do if you spot it whilst on the bike.
What is Giant Hogweed?
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive plant species originally from the Caucasus region (think Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and parts of Southern Russia). Recognised for its impressive size and striking appearance, this plant has become a significant concern in Scotland due to its rapid spread and hazardous nature. Often found near rivers, streams, and disturbed land, giant hogweed poses risks to native biodiversity and human health.
What Does Giant Hogweed Look Like?
Giant hogweed is a towering plant that can grow up to 5 meters tall.
Key features to look out for when identifying giant hogweed are:
Giant hogweed leaves are large, jagged, and deeply lobed, with serrated edges,
Its stem is hollow, green with purple blotches, and covered in stiff white hairs,
Its flowers are white, umbrella-shaped clusters (umbels) that can span up to 80 cm in diameter,
Its seeds are flat, oval, and brown with distinctive ridges.
Is Giant Hogweed Dangerous?
Yes, giant hogweed is extremely dangerous to humans due to its toxic sap. The sap contains furocoumarins, which make human skin highly sensitive to sunlight, causing severe burns, blistering, and long-term scarring. It is also a danger to dogs, so watch out for your trail dog. Interestingly, it does not seem to cause a problem for sheep.
What Happens if You Touch Giant Hogweed?
Contact with giant hogweed sap can lead to phytophotodermatitis, a severe skin reaction when exposed to sunlight. Symptoms include redness and inflammation, painful blisters that may develop into dark scars, and long lasting skin sensitivity to sunlight.
What to Do If You Come into Contact with Giant Hogweed
If you get giant hogweed sap on your skin:
Wash the Area with cold water, and if you have it, soap. You may need to use your drinks bottle for this.
Avoid Sunlight after washing the area, cover it to prevent exposure to UV rays.
Seek Medical Attention from a healthcare professional if blisters or severe reactions occur.
Apply sunscreen on the affected skin for next few months to prevent further damage.
Where Does Giant Hogweed Grow in Scotland?
Giant hogweed thrives in damp, nutrient-rich soils and is most commonly found along riverbanks, in woodlands, and on wastelands across Scotland. Regions with abundant waterways, such as the Highlands, Lowlands, and Central Belt, are hotspots for this invasive species, though it can be found in the Grampian region as well. Recent reports include sightings in Ury Riverside park in Inverurie, along the South Ugie Water running through the village of Stuartfield, and along the River Devron.
What Time of Year Does Giant Hogweed Grow?
Giant hogweed is most noticeable between late spring and summer (May to August) when it produces its towering stems and large flower heads. During winter, the plant dies back, but seeds remain viable in the soil for several years, enabling regrowth in subsequent seasons.
What to Do If You Find Giant Hogweed in Scotland
If you spot giant hogweed, it’s essential to handle the situation responsibly. Obviously, do not touch it, make sure you avoid direct contact with the plant. Note its location. And while it is not a legal requirement to report giant hogweed, doing so helps manage its spread and mitigate risks. In Scotland, you can report sightings to local council environmental authorities or the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative (SISI).
Protect Yourself and Fellow Cyclists
Giant hogweed is a striking but hazardous plant. By learning to identify and report it, you can help safeguard Scotland’s environment and prevent harm to fellow cyclists and wildlife.
Ticks and Lyme Disease
Ticks are found in some grass areas, moors and woods in north east Scotland. We have prepared some pointers that will help you learn about the dangers of ticks when cycling off road, how to avoid picking up a tick, how to safely remove ticks, and how to recognise the symptoms of Lyme disease.
Snakes and Adders
📷 Nick Dobbs
Along with heatwaves and holiday hold-ups, stories about the UK’s only venomous snake, the adder, are a staple of the summer headlines. But are they snake news or fake news? Are you at danger when out cycling?.
Books
The following books from Amazon may be of interest:
