'Invasive jungle' of giant hogweed set to be removed from riverbank

The vegetation is known to burn skin and cause blisters.

Giant Hogweed set to be removed from banks of River Tay as council act on ‘invasive jungle’ — The local authority has responded to a series of complaints over the plants. LDRS

9th Aug 2022

Work to treat poisonous plants growing mostly along riversides in Perth and Kinross is under way.

Perth and Kinross Council received several complaints about sightings of giant hogweed.

The plant – which can grow two to three metres in height and have flowers up to 80cm in diameter – can burn skin and cause blisters.

Several members of the public have reported sightings of the plant to PKC this summer.

In July local resident Steven McCready shared a photo on Twitter illustrating “a jungle of hogweed between Willowgate and the rail bridge” in Perth.

While North Inch and Muirton Community Council reported spotting the invasive weed on the riverbank towards Inveralmond at the end of June.

Perth and Kinross Council has now taken action.

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Work to treat invasive giant hogweed is currently under way by three appointed contractors and expected to be completed by August 12.

“Most of the plants are located near watercourses which means we are using a suitable translocated Glyphosate-based chemical, this type of chemical activates to treat the plant within two weeks of application.”

The council has not received any complaints of people being harmed by the plant.

PKC’s spokesperson said: “We have not been made aware of any physical harm caused by giant hogweed in our area, however we have received reports of people highlighting the locations of plants.

“Locations of giant hogweed can be reported to us by calling 01738 476476 or emailing: enquiries@pkc.gov.uk”