As township crews prepare for invasive plant mitigation, Georgian Bluffs residents are being asked to search areas surrounding their properties for Giant hogweed.
The invasive and poisonous plant is recognizable by its reddish-purple speckled, hairy, thick stems; massive jagged leaves; and large, umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers. In the early spring it can grow as fast as 10 centimetres a day. Sap from its broken stalks, leaves, and flowers can cause burns and large blisters. Symptoms typically appear 24 to 48 hours after contact and are triggered by sun exposure.
Residents are advised to check roadsides, ditches, and naturalized areas within Georgian Bluffs for any signs of Giant hogweed. Sightings can be reported through the township's website at www.georgianbluffs.ca/ContactGB under the "Noxious Weeds" category, or by calling 519-376-2729. The township added that reports should include photos and detailed location information.
Sightings of other invasive species such as wild chervil or phragmites are also encouraged.
Hogweed treatment will be getting underway across Georgian Bluffs in the coming weeks.
