Hogweed, you shall not pass!

The issue of harmful invasive hogweed in Russia is not only about displacing native plants but also about the risk of burns and injuries to both adults and children. Due to neglect from Russian authorities, hogweed has started appearing even in major cities. For example, unscrupulous suppliers of landscaping soil bring contaminated soil containing hogweed seeds into parks, squares, and playgrounds.

In Finland, hogweed (Kaukasian jätöputki) is also considered an invasive species, but the problem is less visible due to lower population density and the fact that hogweed often hides in forests and remote areas. Yet it remains a serious concern — see more info here: https://vieraslajit.fi/lajit/MX.39254

Under EU and Finnish law, any detected hogweed patch must be destroyed by the landowner. Finland is actively fighting this plant, but progress is slower than desired. For example, the City of Espoo aims to eradicate all hogweed patches by 2037.

The main challenge is time: hogweed spreads rapidly. There is also a lack of budget, political will, sufficient official engagement, and most importantly — volunteers to help in eradication efforts.

Initiative FoReDi is calling on all concerned residents of Finland to protect the country from this dangerous weed!

If you spot hogweed, cut it and dig up the root if possible. If the plant has already flowered, do not leave the seed heads outdoors — seeds spread quickly. Place them in a sealed bag and dispose of it via a hazardous waste container (vaarallisen jätteen astia): https://www.kierratys.info/?lat=60.29&lng=24.8233&zoom=11&filters=108

Caution: hogweed sap causes severe burns when it contacts skin in sunlight. Remove plants only wearing protective clothing: thick gloves, long-sleeve shirt, and ideally goggles and a face mask. Work is best done on cloudy days to avoid direct sunlight.

If you cannot remove hogweed yourself, add a record to the monitoring map and report the sighting to your municipality: https://vieraslajit.fi/havainnot?taxonId=MX.39254

You can also use the same map to locate and eradicate hogweed in your area.

Protect Finland’s nature — it’s in our hands!