The Lake Centre for Coastal Conservation has received several reports of Giant Hogweed clusters along the Lake Huron shoreline.
Coastal Technologist Tineasha Brenot says the speed at which the plant has been able to take over areas along the Bayfield River Flats, as well as Saugeen Shores and up through the Bruce Peninsula is a concern.
Brenot says the Giant Hogweed can grow to a height of 5 metres and has a very broad white flower that shades out other species.
According to Brenot, "it spreads more and more seeds and that's kind of sneaking under the radar. It's able to invade more and more areas along the shoreline."
She also warns has a warning about Giant Hogweed, "Some of the dangers specifically with this plant is that skin contact and exposure to the sunlight can cause some severe dermatitis reactions and that can result in some painful blisters and even sometimes in permanent scarring."
Brenot recommends people report the presence of Giant Hogweed when they see it and hire a professional exterminator to get rid of it.
Giant Hogweed leaf (photo courtesy of Ontario Invading Species Awareness Program)