Also known as Bear's Breech · Common Cow Parsnip · Common Eltrot
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) is a tall, herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia, known for its large, flat-topped clusters of white flowers.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in full sun but tolerates light shade.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Well-drained, fertile
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures once established.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal feeding; compost is often sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 3/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Causes phytophotodermatitis (skin irritation, blistering, and burns upon exposure to sunlight after contact with sap).
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment and dry periods. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
In hot weather, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the soil evenly moist.
Deadhead spent flower stalks to prevent unwanted self-seeding, especially if the plant is vigorous in your garden. Remove any dead or damaged foliage in late autumn or early spring.
Minimal pruning is usually required, focusing on maintaining shape and tidiness.
Heracleum sphondylium is easily propagated by seed, which can be sown outdoors in autumn or early spring. Seeds may benefit from a period of cold stratification.
Division of established clumps in early spring is also possible, though often unnecessary due to prolific self-seeding.
This is a large perennial that is best left undisturbed in the ground once established. Repotting is typically only necessary for young plants started in containers or if division is desired.
If repotting is required, do so in early spring before new growth emerges, using a larger pot with good drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Heracleum |
| Species | Heracleum sphondylium |
Similar in genus Heracleum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
