Common Hogweed

Description:

Heracleum sphondylium reaches on average 50–120 centimetres of height, with a maximum of 2 metres. From large reddish rhizomatous roots rises a striated, hollow stem with bristly hairs. The leaves can reach 50 centimetres of length. They are pinnate, hairy and serrated, divided into 3-5 lobed segments. This plant has pinkish or white flowers with 5 petals. They are arranged in large umbels of up to 20 cm of diameter with 15 to 30 rays. The peripheral flowers have a radial symmetry. Flowering typically occurs between June and October. The flowers are pollinated by insects (usually bees, wasps and flies). The small fruits are flattened and winged, elliptical to rounded and glabrous, up to 1 cm long. The seed dispersal is by wind.

Habitat:

Entire Europe