No Giant Hogweed found on Whiffin Spit

The District of Sooke has confirmed that the large plants with large white flowers lining the entrance to the parking lot at Whiffin Spit Park is the native Cow Parsnip and not Giant Hogweed as posted by members of the community.  Cow Parsnip can be seen at Ed Macgregor Park, Sooke Bluffs Park and Deerlepe Park, as well as along the roadsides of West Coast Road.

While contact with the plant may cause a skin rash and sensitivity to sunlight in some cases it is not considered as toxic as Giant Hogweed.  For more information on both plants please see http://bcinvasives.ca/documents/Giant_Hogweed_National_Factsheet.pdf or contact the Parks and Environmental Services department at the District of Sooke.