In getting our spring landscaping underway, we've run into a bush that a family member is sure that this plant (pictured) is Giant Hogweed.
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British Columbia considers this plant to be toxic (if it is indeed that species) and requires a professional to be called in to remediate.
I've tried to find samples online, and there are similarities, but I also don't have enough background knowledge in plants to be sure. Any help is greatly appreciated!
I'm pretty sure this is Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris), an invasive but non-toxic weed, not Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum).
Differences between the two include:
Leaf structure: Cow Parsley's leaves are fernlike, Giant Hogweed's leaves are much larger and coarser:
Cow parsley leaves
Giant Hogweed leaves:
Height: Cow Parsley grows to about 3' to 4' in height (1m to 1.3m), Giant Hogweed grows to 7' to 15' / 2m to 4.5m, though Wikipedia says it can grow higher.
Stems: both plants have hollow stems, but Giant Hogweed has dark reddish spots on its stems. Cow Parsley's stems are green and fluted.
Habitat: Giant Hogweed likes a wet environment; you can typically see it in the wild along riverbanks or in marshy ground. Cow Parsley is more of a meadow wildflower.
It's Myrrhis odorata, aka Sweet Cicely. The entire plant is mildly liquorice-scented. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cicely
