Hogweed

For weeks, Robert Emma wondered about the plants growing beside his new house. The flora, as many as 40 discrete plants, was "intimidating," the amateur gardener said, with thorns and jagged leaves five feet wide. They stood taller - much taller - than a person, and cast a canopy of white blooms a yard wide.

For weeks, Robert Emma wondered about the plants growing beside his new house. The flora, as many as 40 discrete plants, was "intimidating," the amateur gardener said, with thorns and jagged leaves five feet wide. They stood taller - much taller - than a person, and cast a canopy of white blooms a yard wide.