Giant Hogweed in Quebec: Avoid Sap, Respond to Exposure and Remove It
Identify a suspected plant without touching it, limit a photosensitive burn and choose a safe removal method.
After sap contact
Remove sap without spreading it, wash the skin thoroughly with soap and water and protect the area from light. Follow current official guidance on how long protection is needed. Contact 811 or a clinician if eyes are involved, a large area was exposed, or redness, swelling, blisters or pain appear.
Identify before acting
Take photos from a distance of the stem, leaves, flowers and whole plant. Compare them with the official fact sheet because native cow parsnip and other plants may look similar. Ask the municipality or a specialist when identification is uncertain.
On your property
Plan removal early in the season and completely protect skin, eyes and gaps in clothing. Use competent help for a large colony, slope, ditch, shoreline or site near children. Do not compost parts that may contain seeds, and check municipal disposal rules.
Public or neighbouring land
Report the location to the owner, municipality or site operator with photos taken without entering the colony. Do not remove a plant from property you do not own.
Identifying and removing giant hogweed — Quebec.ca (French) · Giant hogweed burns — Quebec.ca (French)