About
Heracleum sphondylium, the hogweed, is a tall, robust biennial or short-lived perennial to 2 m with ridged, hollow stems, hairy, broadly pinnate leaves and large, flat umbels of off-white flowers from midsummer to early autumn that are magnets for pollinators. A characteristic and architecturally bold native plant of roadsides, hedgebanks and meadows.
About the genus
Heracleum are tall, robust biennials and perennials in the carrot family (Apiaceae) with large, pinnate leaves and broad, flat umbels of white or pink flowers. They range from the native hogweed to the famously invasive, sap-burning giant hogweed (H. mantegazzianum), which must not be cultivated.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
ToxicityTOXIC 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
Care notes
CultivationNaturally grows in grassy places such as rough grazing, hedgerows and roadsides. Can be encouraged in wilder areas of the garden to support a wide range of pollinators including beetles, flies, hoverflies, bees and wasps. For information on its more problematic cousin see giant hogweed
PruningNo pruning required, but deadheading will help prevent it self-seeding where not wanted
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free