Heracleum sphondylium
hogweed
The hogweed is more diminutive than its infamous cousin, giant hogweed and doesn't carry the same health warnings. Although it may reach 2m in height, it's generally much shorter at 1m. Stems are ridged and hollow, leaves hairy with broad, pinnate lobes. Off-white umbels are borne from midsummer to early autumn. It may be a biennial or monocarpic perennial.
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC to skin with sunlight. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets (dogs/poultry) with sunlight - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Heraclium can be biennial or perennial herbs and include species such as Giant Hogweed, Fennel, Cow Parsley and Ground Elder.
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Naturally grows in grassy places of rough grazing, hedgerows and roadsides
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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