Species library · Plants & herbs

Giant Hogweed: poisonous

Heracleum mantegazzianum

☠ Poisonous. Do not eat.What to do if poisoning is suspected

Giant Hogweed is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. This page helps you identify it and tell it apart from similar species. It is not a foraging guide. When in doubt, have a find identified by an expert.

If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away. If someone has trouble breathing, has a seizure or is unconscious, call emergency services. Don't wait for symptoms: with some poisonings they only start hours later. Keep any leftovers of the find, they help identify it.

Usually seen from April to June in the northern hemisphere. Found in Disturbed ground, Waterside, Grassland.

☠ Poisonous
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Photo: (c) Nova Patch, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Nova Patch · iNaturalist

When Giant Hogweed appears

Typical window in the northern hemisphere. The southern hemisphere runs about six months offset.

Where it grows

Giant Hogweed is usually found in Disturbed ground, Waterside, Grassland.

Look up Giant Hogweed in the app

In the Forage app, Giant Hogweed has a full field guide entry with more photos, key features and the species it can be confused with.

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Giant Hogweed: common questions

Is Giant Hogweed poisonous?

Yes. Giant Hogweed is classed as poisonous in the Forage field guide. Do not eat it. If you suspect poisoning, call your local poison control center right away, or emergency services if it is life-threatening.

When does Giant Hogweed appear?

Giant Hogweed usually appears from April to June in temperate northern regions. The exact timing shifts with latitude, elevation and each year's weather.

Where does Giant Hogweed grow?

Giant Hogweed is usually found in Disturbed ground, Waterside, Grassland.

One note before you head out

Forage helps you discover and identify wild plants, but identification is never 100% certain. Many edible plants have toxic lookalikes. Never eat anything you find based only on what this app tells you. Always confirm with a field guide, an experienced forager or a local expert. The season score tells you where to look, too: it’s not a guarantee. Mind conservation law and property rights as well.

Species photos via Wikimedia Commons and iNaturalist · full credits