Report noxious weeds

Weed descriptions

• Common ragwort
  Highly poisonous to cattle, horses and other animals. It is not harmful to humans. This weed is a stout ragged plant which can grow to a height of 1 metre. It has long thin toothed leaves which are green on the top and have a whitish underside. It also has large clusters of yellow flowers measuring approximately 2cm across. You can see what it looks like and find more information here
• Japanese Knotweed or Himalayan Knotweed
  A highly vigorous and hardy weed which can grow almost anywhere. It grows in clumps and can reach a height of 3 metres. It has a thick bamboo like stem which has a red and green pattern. Its leaves are light green, broad and triangular in shape. It can also have small white flowers. You can see what it looks like and find more information here
• Himalayan balsam
  Often found on river banks, growing up to 2 metres in height. Each plant lasts for one year and dies at the end of the growing season. It has
  – reddish coloured stems
  – dark green, lance-shaped leaves with jagged edges
  – flowers from June to October
  – large, brightly coloured flowers that are usually in variable shades from purple to pale pink
  – around 2,500 seeds per plant each year
  – explosive seed pods that can throw seeds over 6 metres away from the plant. You can see what it looks like and find more information here
• Giant hogweed
  (each red/white segment 50 cm) You should take great care when identifying giant hogweed. Contact with the plant, particularly the sap, can lead to severe blistering and scarring. Giant hogweed closely resembles native cow parsley or hogweed. It can take four years to reach its full height of 3 to 5 metres and flower.
  – has a reddish purple stem with fine spines that make it appear furry like a stinging nettle
  – has hollow stems
  – has spotted leaf stalks
  – has leaves up to 1.5 metres wide
  – flowers in June and July
  – has flower heads that are usually 50 centimetres wide
  – each flower head is capable of producing 50,000 seeds every year
  – has seeds that can stay in the soil for several years before they develop
  You can see what it looks like and find more information here

Downloads

Somerset Highways Biodiversity Manual

Species Action Plan