From March 1, 2026, owners throughout Russia are required to get rid of dangerous plants. Not only individuals can violate the rule fine By 20-50 thousand rubles, but also Forbidden Rights to land. Similar in some areas rules It was in effect before, but the practice is now spreading throughout the country.
Each region should have its own list of dangerous plants, but Rosselkhoznadzor Pointingthat the measures are primarily aimed at combating pigweed in Sosnowski. This plant is rapidly capturing new territories (in 2025 I got there Even to Magadan) and nothing else is allowed to grow. Besides, it is dangerous for people. At the same time, Sosnowski pigweed Can be confused With other plants. Therefore, knowing how to get rid of it effectively and without harming yourself is really important. We decided to compile instructions to help everyone who wants to fight pigweed (even if you do not have your own plot of land – yes, this is also possible!).
To get started, learn more about the law, which actually relates not only to hogweeds and not just to plots of land
As of March 1, 2026 until the Land Code, Forest Code and Federal laws foot The concept of invasive plants, that is, alien plants (for a long time demanded by environmentalists and activists). These species are supposed to be controlled. Individuals, companies and the state must fight, depending on who is in charge of a particular piece of land.
Regional lists of these plants are relevant to individuals. In cases where we are talking about a forest or a specially protected natural area, the list is compiled by a federal body. now project Such an order of Rosleskhoz (in relation to forests) contains only two plants: Sosnovsky’s pigweed and ash-leaved maple. Order of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (regarding specially protected natural areas) has different lists for different regions, but almost everywhere there is Sosnowski grass.
In November 2025, Moscow authorities It consists of List of invasive species to be eradicated. They plan to destroy Sosnowski’s pigweed, ash maple, goldenrod, ailanthus, multi-leaved lupine, Bohemian nutria ray and Japanese nutria ray. Another 24 species were banned from cultivation or their numbers were limited.
Make sure you’re looking at Sosnowski’s hogweed and not Siberian hogweed or angelica – or something else
The easiest and safest way to get rid of pigweed is when it is just starting to sprout and has only grown a few centimeters. This happens in early spring. During this period it is easy to confuse it with another plant.
Gradually, the leaves of young plants become more rounded and then carved (in adult plants they begin to grow from the already carved ground). It consists of three large connected parts.
The central stem of the hogweed is always smooth, and it and the leaf cuttings have dark red veins.
Over time, pigweed develops large inflorescences (umbrellas). Its flowers are always white, and the petals on the edges of the canopy are larger than those inside. The seeds that appear in place of the flowers are initially green and then turn brown. The top of the canopy is somewhat flat, rather than spherical.
If you doubt whether you have correctly identified Sosnowski’s pigweed, you can check the activists’ instructions:
You can also use the Seek app (iOS, Android).
Choose how you will destroy pigweed
One Hogweed Sosnowski maybe Up to 20 thousand seeds, they can remain in the ground for 15 years and wait in the wings. Therefore, it is most effective to destroy hogweed before it leaves seed.
You can choose the method depending on the number of plants in front of you and their stage of growth.
Before flowering begins in your area, you can is used Herbicides (Although they will destroy all or many other plants they strike.) Stop Hogweed Community Volunteers recommend Use metsulfuron methyl, dicamba (but in the absence of other plants intended for cultivation) and glyphosate.
In addition to the area where pigweed grows Early spring It can be covered thickly Black film Or any other material that does not transmit light. On her need to He will put a load and periodically check that there are no holes in it. “The soil underneath will heat up, stimulating seed germination, and the seedlings will die from the excess heat and lack of light.” He explains Instructing “Stop Hogweed” activists. “In this way, we not only destroy the adult plants (if the film survives for more than one growing season), but we also clean the soil of the pigweed seed bank.”
The film can be removed no earlier than one year (but it is better to leave it aside). Two springs), and immediately plant the area with anything.
Another option – Cover the film with soil, and then you can immediately plant anything in this area.
If you need to get rid of a small number of mature plants and they are not very large yet, use this He can holes. There is no need to dig out the entire rootstock – just around it 10-20 cm.
If seeds have already appeared on the pigweed, He can Umbrella parts (at the highest possible level) and destroy them. The remaining plant will die this year.
Hogweed He can shearBut first, it won’t get rid of it – just that the plants will be large. Secondly this need to Do this once every two to three weeks throughout the season. And in no case can you cut with a trimmer, because in this way pigweed juice can get on the skin, which is dangerous.
On a large area can be implemented in the beginning.
At a distance At least four metres There should also be no pigweed from your plot of land, otherwise its seeds will return to your land again.
Follow safety rules
Hogweed juice is very dangerous for people: if it gets on the skin it is sunlight may lead To burn. Therefore, it is important to reduce these risks.
When you go to destroy pigweed and clothes It should be Waterproof, with thick rubber gloves on your hands, rubber boots on your feet, a face shield (in extreme cases, goggles), and a cap on your head. Ideally, there should be no exposed skin. To do this, you can, for example, glue rubber gloves to the sleeves with paper tape.
At home, you will need to shower, wash your clothes, and wash your gloves well.
If you work with herbicides, so do you need to Protect yourself well: Wear a respirator, goggles or face shield, gloves and rubber boots, as well as waterproof clothing with a hood.
It is important that there is no wind, that it is not too sunny and that there is no rain in the forecast for the next two hours.
If the juice gets on your skin, wash it off quickly.
If you notice that pigweed juice has come into contact with your skin, Cover up This place and try to wash off the juice quickly with a large amount of cold water. The coming days This area should remain covered (for example, you can use a bandage). Even if it’s cloudy outside, UV rays can cause burns.
If the juice gets into your eyes, communication Visit a doctor immediately (on the way, this is perfect for you It must be Glasses with UV protection – not just glasses with dark lenses).
If blisters eventually appear on the skin, it is also better to consult a doctor.
If you find that you are good at controlling and enjoying hogweed, consider working with other volunteers to eradicate it from public lands. You can find like-minded people on social networks (in groups in your area), in communities “Combat pigweed”, “Stop the hogweed.” And others.
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