Planting for Moist Shade - Part 3: Re: Impressive giants

» Marge_Talt - Re: Impressive giants

In response to message posted by olly222:

Hi olly222, Welcome to Gardening in Shade!

Well, I hate to tell you, but Heracleum mantegazzianum is now on numerous noxious weed lists; banned in the state of Washington, the UK and other states. The seed is listed in the Federal Noxious Weed Seed list.

I don't know where you garden, but you would need to check with your state or local government to find out if you could grow this majestic plant. It appears that it sets copious seed that is washed down waterways and colonizes them, creating problems in certain areas.

It has sap that is toxic to the touch and causes welts on the skin, which is something to keep in mind if you have small children anywhere around or are sensitive yourself.

The only seed source I have found is B & T World Seed, but if you live and garden in the US or the UK, it is going to be illegal to import this seed.

This is a magnificent plant visually, but it seems that, sadly, it causes more problems than growing it is worth these days:-(

-- posted by Marge_Talt