Heracleum mantegazzianum

Giant Hogweed

Herculaneum mantegazzianum, also known as giant hogweed or hogsbane, is a tall-growing plant that can grow up to 4 metres high. The plant has large, white flowering umbels that can reach up to 50 cm in diameter. Originally, giant hogweed comes from the Caucasus and was introduced to Europe as an ornamental plant. Today, the plant is an invasive species and is spreading in many countries, including Germany. The plant is dangerous to humans because it contains phototoxic substances that can cause severe burns on skin contact. For this reason, it is recommended to wear gloves and protective clothing when controlling giant hogweed.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Heracleum mantegazzianum can cause ecological damage by suppressing native plant species and affecting natural habitats. Due to its rapid spread, it forms dominant stands, which can lead to a loss of biodiversity, especially in grassland fallows and riparian vegetation. In addition, hybridisation with the native common hogweed can occur.

Economical damage

Heracleum mantegazzianum can cause economic damage in agriculture. The plant can spread to grazing areas and reduce the quality of fodder for livestock. In addition, its presence makes access to riparian areas difficult and often requires costly removal.

Damage to health

Heracleum mantegazzianum causes health problems due to the phototoxic substances contained in its sap. Skin contact can cause severe burns and blistering, especially when exposed to sunlight. The sap can also cause eye irritation

Region of origin

Caucasus

Introduction vectors

Horticulture

Import of seeds and plants from the area of origin, the Caucasus, for use in gardens and parks.

Botanical gardens

Original importation in botanical gardens and as an ornamental plant

Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The umbelliferae (Apiaceae) comprise about 434 genera with around 3,780 species. They are distributed worldwide, especially in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere. The family includes mostly herbaceous plants, more rarely also shrubs and small trees. A striking feature is their double-petalled inflorescence. Many species have pinnate leaves and hollow stems. Umbellifers are known above all for their aromatic properties, which make them important spice and medicinal plants. These include carrot, celery, dill, parsley, caraway and aniseed. However, some species, such as the wild hemlock, are also poisonous.

Climate change

Heracleum mantegazzianum has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, road infrastructure, summer temperature, winter temperature and spring precipitation.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Heracleum mantegazzianum where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.