Risks of giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) range increase in North America

Abstract

Giant hogweed is a globally invasive plant that can cause a phototoxic reaction which can cause burns and hyperpigmentation. As a result, the species can have large economic costs and human health impacts where high plant densities and high human densities overlap. The invasion, however, is relatively slow moving, which may lead to an underestimate of potential range and impact. We use life history data to construct Maxent and logistic regression models of potential range in North America. These models suggest that the core areas of high habitat suitability overlap with high human population density, but that most of these areas have already been invaded. There is, however, scope for further spread in areas adjacent to the core, and in novel, less populated, mountainous and maritime locations.