Short description of Heracleum mantegazzianum, Giant Hogweed
Aptly named ‘giant’, this umbellifer (member of the cow-parsley family) has flowering stems typically 2-3 m high bearing umbels of flowers up to 80 cm in diameter. The basal leaves are often 1 m or more in size.
Description of Heracleum mantegazzianum, Giant Hogweed status in GB
Giant hogweed is widespread in lowland GB, and is invasive by lowland rivers and on waste land.
Habitat summary: Heracleum mantegazzianum, Giant Hogweed
It is especially abundant by lowland streams and rivers, but also occurs widely on waste ground and in rough pastures. It grows on moist fertile soils, achieving its greatest stature in partial shade. In more open grassland, flowering may be delayed by repeated grazing.
