Hogweed?

Description:

'The Forager Handbook' by Mike Irving says similar species are Wild Angelica, Wild Parsnip, and Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Giant Hogweed is a dangerous plant as it is 'phototoxic', causing potentially severe burns and potentially permanent blindness Here's an interesting link about the edible Hogweed in the UK http://www.gallowaywildfoods.com/?page_i... The link warns: 'Care should be taken when picking as chemicals in the sap can cause phytophotodermititus – especially in strong sunlight – gloves recommended for the thin-skinned' It also stresses that Hogweed stems start off purple and turn green but is NOT blotchy purple like giant hogweed

Notes:

july 2014 folder. Note to self: next time pay more attention to the colours on the stem in order to differentiate between hogweed and giant hogweed. The leaves of giant hogweed are much larger and are serrations on leaves are sharper