Invasive Plants in Minsk: Hogweed & Canadian Goldenrod

Specialists from “Minskzelenstroy” have reported the districts of the Belarusian capital where plants dangerous to human health and ecosystems have been found — Sosnowski’s hogweed and Canadian goldenrod.

Where Dangerous Plants Grow in Minsk

Significant areas within Minsk have been found to be occupied by invasive plants that pose a threat both to human health and to natural ecosystems. According to current data from “Minskzelenstroy,” as of early 2025, Sosnowski’s hogweed has been found across 14.2 hectares, while Canadian goldenrod now covers 219.2 hectares of city territory. “The largest areas of goldenrod spread are in the Partizansky District — 51.5 hectares, and Sosnowski’s hogweed is most prevalent in the Leninsky District, where it occupies around 1.5 hectares,” reported Natalya Petlitskaya, Head of the Agrochemical Laboratory at the State Enterprise “Minskzelenstroy.” The expert noted that, on a citywide scale, these figures are relatively small — totaling less than 0.1% of Minsk’s entire area. However, the problem requires constant attention and a systematic approach.

Why Invasive Plants Are Dangerous

Sosnowski’s hogweed poses a serious threat to human health. Contact with this plant can lead to severe consequences:

• The sap of the hogweed, when it comes into contact with skin, causes severe burns comparable to thermal burns of the first to third degree.
• If the sap gets into the eyes, there is a risk of vision loss.
• The plant can cause severe dermatitis.

Although Canadian goldenrod is less known to the general public, in terms of environmental danger it is on par with hogweed, and in some aspects even exceeds it:

• The pollen of goldenrod is a potent allergen.
• The plant’s root system releases poisonous substances into the soil, hindering the growth of other plants.
• Goldenrod is capable of completely displacing native flora species from ecosystems, disrupting biodiversity.

“Using goldenrod for landscaping is prohibited. Its uncontrolled spread can lead to serious ecological disruptions,” emphasized Natalya Petlitskaya.

Characteristics of Spread and Control of Invasive Plants

Specialists note that the area of treated plots in the city is increasing. This is due to the characteristics of invasive plant spread:

• Goldenrod predominantly colonizes edges, open, and hard-to-reach areas.
• Unlike hogweed, goldenrod reproduces not only by seed but also by rhizomes, making it significantly more difficult to control.
• If eradication procedures are not followed correctly, the plants continue to spread even after control efforts.

“A detailed action plan has been developed for the capital, specifying exact dates and timeframes for control measures against invasive plants. District green management enterprises are responsible for the assigned territories,” reported a representative of “Minskzelenstroy.” Control efforts against hogweed in Minsk run from May through September. In some city districts, eradication work for this dangerous plant has already begun.

What to Do If You Discover Dangerous Plants

If you encounter patches of hogweed or goldenrod, specialists recommend:

1. Do not approach the plants, especially hogweed.
2. Do not attempt to remove the plants without special protective equipment.
3. Report the location of dangerous plants to the relevant “Minskzelenstroy” services.

Systematic work to monitor and control the spread of invasive plants is an important component of ensuring the city’s ecological safety and the health of its residents.