Hogweed
Heracleum sphondylium
Also known as Common Hogweed, Eurasian Cow Parsnip, European Cow-parsnip
Climate Match for your location
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A vigorous biennial or short-lived perennial with large, coarse leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white to pink flowers. Common in meadows and disturbed areas; spreads readily by seed.
Why grow it
Hogweed attracts pollinators and beneficial insects with its large, protein-rich flower clusters, making it useful in early-season forage plantings. The substantial leaf biomass can contribute to compost or chop-and-drop mulch systems. It tolerates poor, disturbed soils better than many ornamental alternatives, so it may suit reclamation or pioneer planting roles where soil fertility is low.
Watch out for
This plant self-seeds prolifically and can crowd out slower-establishing perennials if not managed; plan to deadhead or cut before seed set if containing it to a specific area. Growth habit is coarse and sprawling, so it requires adequate space and may look ungainly in manicured garden settings. The stems and leaves are bristly and can be unpleasant to handle during weeding or harvesting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A vigorous biennial or short-lived perennial with large, coarse leaves and flat-topped clusters of small white to pink flowers. Common in meadows and disturbed areas; spreads readily by seed.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Hogweed grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Hogweed attracts pollinators and beneficial insects with its large, protein-rich flower clusters, making it useful in early-season forage plantings. The substantial leaf biomass can contribute to compost or chop-and-drop mulch systems. It tolerates poor, disturbed soils better than many ornamental alternatives, so it may suit reclamation or pioneer planting roles where soil fertility is low.
Watch out for
This plant self-seeds prolifically and can crowd out slower-establishing perennials if not managed; plan to deadhead or cut before seed set if containing it to a specific area. Growth habit is coarse and sprawling, so it requires adequate space and may look ungainly in manicured garden settings. The stems and leaves are bristly and can be unpleasant to handle during weeding or harvesting.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Apiaceae
Native Range
Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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