Heracleum sphondylium (Hogweed)

Cultivation

Grows best in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Behaves as a biennial or monocarpic perennial (dying after flowering). Tends to colonize by self-seeding.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Bees (attract & feed bees)

UK hardiness

H7

USDA zones

Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Semi-evergreen

Habit

Upright

Native to

Europe, Western Asia, Northwestern Africa

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Though not as toxic as Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant hogweed), handle with caution, wearing protective clothing, glove, and eye glasses when working with this plant. Contact with sap may cause a skin reaction known as phytophotodermatitis in which severe blisters and rashes typically occur when the skin is exposed to ultra violet light (sun or UV rays).