sosnowskyi

Sosnowsky's hogweed, Heracleum sosnowskyi, is a tall perennial plant in the Apiaceae family. Native to the Caucasus, it was introduced in the mid-20th century in the Soviet Union as a forage crop but has since spread beyond its native range and become an invasive weed in many parts of Europe and Asia.

Description: The plant can reach 3–5 meters in height, with large leaves up to a meter or more across and broad white flower umbels. It forms dense stands and produces many seeds, enabling rapid spread and displacement of native vegetation.

Distribution and status: Native to the Caucasus, it was widely cultivated in the USSR and later escaped cultivation. It is now established as an invasive weed in Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Lithuania, and other parts of eastern Europe, with occurrences in parts of Central Asia and the Balkans.

Toxicity and hazards: The sap contains photosensitizing furanocoumarins (notably psoralen). Contact with the sap followed by sun exposure can cause severe skin burns and blistering; eye contact can cause irritation. Animals can be affected if they ingest it or if sap contacts their skin.

Management: Effective control relies on early detection and integrated methods. Protective clothing is essential when handling the plant; mowing or cutting before seed set reduces spread, and all plant material must be disposed of properly. Herbicides such as glyphosate are used in some areas; seeds can remain viable for many years, making eradication challenging.