Lewis County officials target giant hogweed

LOWVILLE — The spread of giant hogweed in southern Lewis County is a growing concern for officials at the county Soil and Water Conservation District.

"Hopefully, we're at a point now where we can prevent the spread of it," District Manager Nichelle L. Billhardt said.

The invasive plant species, native to central and southwest Asia, was first discovered in Lewis County about four years ago along the Black River near Port Leyden and on Stinebrickner and Mud Lake roads near Constableville.

Now, the plant has been identified in about 15 sites in the towns of Lewis, Leyden and Greig, including along ditches, streams and rivers, according to Soil and Water officials.

It is able to spread through both underground tubers and seeds carried by either wind or water, Mrs. Billhardt said.

"One plant one year can turn into 30 the next," she said.

Giant hogweed is a perennial or biennial plant that grows from 8 feet to 20 feet tall, with white flowers as large as dinner plates and green stems covered with purple splotches.

Giant hogweed is commonly mistaken for three types of native plants: cow parsnip, angelica and poison hemlock.

The invasive plant causes severe burns on people who come in contact with its sap.

"It's Queen Anne's lace on steroids," said Michael S. Durant, district technician for Lewis County Soil and Water.

The giant hogweed and other invasive species, like the swallowwort, are difficult to control because of the ease with which they spread and their hardiness, Mrs. Billhardt said.

"They're good competitors, and they have no predators," she said.

Soil and Water officials are targeting giant hogweed over other invasive species because of its potential as a public health threat, Mrs. Billhardt said.

"Kids playing along the bank may get hurt," Mrs. Billhardt said. "That's our biggest concern."

Local Soil and Water officials plan soon to post signs near existing plants warning passersby to avoid contact with the leaves, Mrs. Billhardt said.

They also plan to meet later this month with local highway officials and other local and state agencies to help develop a regional plan to control the spread of giant hogweed, she said.

"We certainly have an outbreak of it," said Michele E. Ledoux, executive director at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County.

Any residents who think they have giant hogweed on their land or have seen the plant in the county should call Soil and Water at 376-6122, she said.