Hogweed

Botanical name: Heracleum sphondylium

Common names: Hogweed

Characteristics

• Plant abundant in hedgerows, roadside verges, waste grounds and rough grassland.
• Member of the carrot family
• Umbrella-like clusters of creamy-white flowers appear between May and August
• Hollow, hairy stems (used by children as water guns, pea shooters and swords)
• Broad, hairy and divided leaves. Flowers heads with bright pink florets and a ball odd spiny bracts
• Flowers provide a source of nectar for birds and insects
• Sap less toxic than that of giant hogweed causing less skin irritation

Location

Poet’s path, ground area before the bridge