Update as of 6/28…

We’ve been getting a lot of emails about possible sightings in LDC. So far, I have only seen 3 possible Hogweed, all in N0, which I removed on Sunday. WisDNR sent me a handy PDF on how to identify it, which I have attached. Hogweed looks very similar to Cow Parsnip, which is a common weed in Wisconsin. While Cow Parsnip is not dangerous, many people do find contact with it to be irritating to the skin. 

The two identifying traits of Hogweed are: 

• Plant height. Cow Parsnip does not get as tall as Hogweed. Hogweed will grow to 5+ feet.
• Stalk color. Hogweed has flecks of purple on a green background and is spiky; Cow Parsnip is green only, and is fuzzy.

Both weeds can be killed with Roundup, or physically removed by cutting the taproot a few inches below the ground. If homeowners suspect Hogweed, they should use caution when cutting it. Soap and water will remove the sap from clothing and skin. Skin should be washed immediately and kept out of the sun.