In response to recent incidents involving the giant hogweed in Virginia, plant experts at Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension have published a guide to identification and control of the species.
It includes information on what to do should a person come in contact with a suspected giant hogweed population.
Giant Hogweed: Identification and Control
Hogweed plants found in Virginia are thought to have been planted as ornamental vegetation, some as much as 30 years ago. In an isolated incident, a teen suffered second and third-degree burns while clearing hogweed while working at a summer job near Fredericksburg.
Anyone who suspects they have located giant hogweed should be encouraged to contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or their extension agent.