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Beware -- noxious Hogweed is spreading By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF 3 · Wednesday, July 14, 2010 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.oakvillebeaver.com While most people like to take a moment to stop and smell the roses there's one plant making an appearance in Oakville that residents should probably take steps to avoid. The Town of Oakville's Parks and Open Spaces Department is reporting increased sightings of Giant Hogweed in the town with one resident stating he has seen the plant on the banks of Bronte Creek within Petro Canada Park. Hogweed, an invasive species originally from Asia, is considered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to be a serious health hazard because its watery clear sap contains photosensitizing compounds. When this sap touches human skin and is hit by sunlight, it can cause a burning sensation with the level of severity depending on individual sensitivity. The ministry's website states that after 24 hours of coming into contact with the plant's sap the affected area reddens and swells followed by an inflammatory reaction after three days. The effects can last for months and skin can remain sensitive to UV light for years. Jane Arnett, the Town's senior manager of operations for the Parks and Open Spaces Department, said Giant Hogweed is becoming more common in Oakville with numerous sightings "When we get a location, we will go out and inspect the site and if the plants are small we will post (a hazard advisory) letting people know they are present." Jane Arnett, Oakville's senior manager of operations for the Parks and Open Spaces Department reported this year. "It is certainly more prevalent along the creek beds without a doubt," said Arnett. "If it is on Town property, we deal with it as best we can, but it is very difficult to eradicate. When we get a location, we will go out and inspect the site and if the plants are small we will remove them. If they are large we will post (a hazard advisory) letting people know they are present." Arnett said pesticides, which can be used because of the threat the plant poses to human health, were used in the spring along the Heritage Trail area to try and control the spread of hogweed. She also pointed out there is a limit to the effectiveness of these measures because the Town can only use pesticides on its own property. This is a problem because birds and water can transport hogweed seeds to Oakville from other locations. Giant Hogweed can grow between eight and 15 feet tall, has leaves, which can be five feet in SUPPLIED PHOTO BEWARE: Hogweed, an invasive species originally from Asia, is considered by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to be a serious health hazard. When sap from the plant touches human skin and is hit by sunlight, it can cause a burning sensation with the level of severity depending on individual sensitivity. diameter, and hollow red or purplish stems. Walter Wimmer, who said he has seen the plant along the banks of Bronte Creek, is concerned area residents are not fully aware of what the plant can do. "On several occasions I spoke with fishermen and warned them of the ramifications of coming in contact with the Giant Hogweed plant next to which they were literally standing or had placed some of their gear. They were quite surprised that they never heard of this plant and happy that I made them aware of it," said Wimmer. "As I understand it, there is now a warning sign located at Petro Canada Park, however, based on my experience in speaking with the fishermen it's clear that more public awareness is required and perhaps more warning signs (should be posted) along the creek bank or trails where the plant is prevalent." Anyone who sees a Giant Hogweed plant on Town property is advised to contact Town officials. Residents are advised not to touch Giant Hogweed if it is found in their gardens, but call a licensed exterminator to have it removed. If residents choose to remove the plant themselves, they need to wear synthetic, water-proof clothing, gardening gloves and eye goggles. Professional staff at garden centres can advise residents on what products and methods to use. BOUTIQUE CLOSING ­ 2 DAY SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO! Fri., July 16th Sat., July 17th 9 am - 5 pm 905-844-2111 AYA KITCHENS OF OAKVILLE 1195 North Service Rd. · 905.847.1522 · www.AyAkitchens.com 2861 Sherwood Heights Dr., Unit 30, Oakville QEW at Winston Churchill South, immediate right turn onto Sherwood Heights Dr.