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Apiaceae
Giant Hogweed Flower
Heracleum mantegazzianum
Danger beneath beauty.
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Genus
- Heracleum
- Native to
- Caucasus region, Central Asia
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- biennial or perennial herb
- Height
- 10-20 ft
- Sunlight
- full sun to part shade
- Soil
- rich, moist
- Water
- moderate to high
- Hardiness
- 3-9
- Lifespan
- biennial to perennial
Did you know
- The plant's sap contains furanocoumarins that cause severe phytophotodermatitis, producing burns and blisters when skin is exposed to sunlight.
- It was introduced to Britain in the 19th century as an ornamental curiosity for its dramatic size and has since become a major invasive species.
- The umbrella-like flower clusters can span up to 2.5 feet across, making them the largest inflorescences of any plant in Europe.
- A single plant can produce over 20,000 seeds, which can remain viable in soil for up to 15 years.
- It is named after Hercules (Heracleum) due to its enormous size, and mantegazzianum honors Italian anthropologist Paolo Mantegazza.
Color meanings
0
caution
1
deceptive appearances