By Wes Porter ——Bio and Archives--September 23, 2009
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They are invincible. They seem immune to our herbicidal battering.Perhaps it was for melodramatic effect but it certainly brought the point home when the creators of the memorable melody advised:
Turn and run! Nothing can stop them. Around every river and canal their power is growing Stamp them out! We must destroy them. They infiltrate each city with their thick dark aroma.They went on to explain how it came about:
Long ago in the Russian hills A Victorian explorer found the regal hogweed by a marsh He captured it and brought it home Botanical creature stirs, seeking revenge. Royal beast did not forget He came home to London, And made a present of the hogweed to the royal gardens at Kew.
Fashionable country gentlemen had some cultivated wild gardens In which they inevitably planted the giant hogweed throughout the land Botanical creature stirs, seeking revenge Royal beast did not forget Soon they escaped, spread their seed, Preparing for an onslaught, threatening the human race. [Genesis from their album Nursery Cryme (1971)]Apart from there being very few pop songs addressing any weed, other than cannabis, giant hogweed is no joke. It has now established in scattered locations over southern Ontario, southwestern British Columbia and many of the northeast and northwest U.S. states. Western and central Europe and even Australia have also been invaded. The sap may cause blistering, long-lasting scars and, contacting the eyes, temporary or even permanent loss of sight. Many health experts are advising not to attempt removing it yourself, but retain professionals to do it for you. More at ontarioweeds.com.
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Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.