Heracleum sphondylium - Hogweed
The flat-topped umbels of this hedgerow
plant are seen throughout Wales from June to September.
Hogweed is a bristly plant that attracts soldier beetles and many other insects
during sunny weather. The compound flower heads are very attractive when studied closely.
The leaves are broad and coarsely divided, and are sometimes used as a
vegetable.
A native biennial, hogweed can grow to a height of two metres in
favourable conditions.
A related alien plant, Giant Hogweed,
is very similar in form but much larger, growing to five metres. This poisonous plant is
now causing concern because it is invading river banks in Scotland, England and the east
of Wales.
Wildflowers of Wales
This wildflower is one of many dozens that are featured in the First Nature Guide to the
Wonderful Wildflowers of Wales, Volume 4 - Watersides and Wetlands.
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