Heracleum sphondylium Seeds | Hogweed
LATIN NAME: Heracleum sphondylium
COMMON NAME: Hogweed
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) stands out as a fine, generous, tall perennial in the family Apiaceae, native to Europe, including britain, western north Africa, west and northern Asia. Hogweed is a fine, bold, tall, umbellate plant of moist meadows and waysides, and its great, broad heads of small, white flowers have made it a familiar of old countryside for a very long time. Plant is a fine, generous, tall perennial of damp, open ground, and it is a fine sight of wild meadow and the wayside. It is a plant of deep, moist, rich ground. For the small amount of care it requires, the return is remarkable.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Heracleum sphondylium ranges from the botany of Apiaceae to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Hogweed has a steady and growing place in plant science, and plant has been studied for its great, broad flower heads and its place among tall umbellate perennials of the meadows. A long cultivation history means growers know what to expect from it.
Uses & Benefits
Hogweed works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Hogweed is grown for great, broad heads of small, white flowers. Plant is a fine, generous addition to wild meadow, pond-side and tall, damp border, and young, tender stems and leaves have a long record of use in old ways of the region. Sap of cut stems can make skin sensitive to sun, so plant is best handled with gloves and admired from edge of the meadow. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Hogweeds demand respect: their sap is phototoxic and can burn skin in sunlight. The genus includes classical Chinese herbs such as Du Huo root, used for wind-damp joint discomfort, but home use is not advised.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Hogweed, and the process is uncomplicated. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Hogweed is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Minor errors in timing or watering rarely cost the grower the crop.
Related Reading
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