Toxic weed spreads in Nova Scotia

The confirmed spread of giant hogweed in Nova Scotia earlier this week has led to new sightings throughout the province.

Heracleum mantegazzianum, also known as giant hogweed, can cause blistering, burning and blindness when the plant's sap is activated by sunlight.

It can be identified by its purple-speckled stem and sheer size, as it can grow up to six metres high.

Since Monday, the toxic weed has been found in seven new areas, including Lunenburg County, Halifax, Wolfville, Grand Pré and Dartmouth.

Halifax resident Michael Pancura is one of many homeowners who have recently discovered the giant plant encroaching on his property.

"I don't care for it, certainly not if it's poisonous," he said.

"I have nine grandkids that come and visit. Besides, half of the plant is on my driveway."

The giant hogweed was planted by his neighbour, Neil Decorby, who is an avid gardener with more plants just like it in his backyard.

"It's large, it's grand, it's very tropical looking and it's very hardy here in Nova Scotia," Decorby said.

He thinks people might be over-reacting when it comes to concerns about the damage the plant can cause.

"I know that some people can get photo dermatitis from the sap but then again, there's a lot of things that people are allergic to these days — seafood, peanuts, you name it," he said.

"As long as it's on private property and people actually know where they are and how to treat them, I don't think it's a big deal."

Since Decorby's plants are on private property, it would be up to him to decide whether to move them. Decorby said he would consider moving the plant closest to the street if his neighbours asked him to.

Public education campaign in the works

Richard MacLellan of the Halifax Regional Municipality's sustainable environment management office said homeowners should not tackle the plant on their own.

"At this stage, with the information I have, I'd recommend the landscaping industry handle these because I don't think this is something … that will go away with a quick squirt or a quick dig. I think you have to stay after it."

MacLellan said the municipality is working to ensure residents are educated about the plant and its potential risks.

He said officials are putting together an information bulletin on giant hogweed to send to residents, and he said it could be ready as early as Wednesday.

"I hope … we'll be doing a press release and a bulletin on identifying the giant hogweed, which shouldn't be difficult," he said.

"We need to take a little time to identify best management practices to the public."

For those living outside Halifax, the province is also hoping to have some educational material ready for the public by the end of the week.