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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Heracleum sphondylium
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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.

Other common names
cadweed
clogweed
see morecow parsnip
eltrot
giant parsnip
madnep
meadow parsnip
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H7
Botanical details
Family
Apiaceae
Native to the UK
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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