Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)
Description of Common Hogweed:
Common Hogweed can grow up to 1.8 meters tall and has leaves with pairs of opposing heavily-lobed leaflets covered in tiny white hairs. The plant's flower heads initially appear enclosed in a specialized leaf that forms a pouch around them, resembling broccoli or cauliflower florets. As they mature, the flower heads develop into umbels covered in white flowers before bearing green seeds that turn brown with age.
Season of Common Hogweed:
Common Hogweed is available for foraging from March to October.
Habitat of Common Hogweed:
It can be found in various environments, including grassland, hedgerows, roadsides, and woodland clearings, throughout Europe and some parts of Asia and Africa.
Possible Lookalikes of Common Hogweed:
The main confusion could occur with Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), which has serious phototoxic properties and is much larger, reaching 5-6 meters in height. The upper leaf surface of Giant Hogweed is hairless, whereas Common Hogweed has white hairs on its upper leaf surface.
Food Uses of Common Hogweed:
Common Hogweed should not be eaten raw due to potential issues (see safety note). Young leaf shoots have a pleasant, herb-like flavour and can be cooked in various ways, such as steaming, frying, baking, boiling, sautéing, or roasting. Older leaves should be avoided. Young flower heads can be treated similarly to young leaf shoots and are often prepared as tempura vegetables. The young green seeds have a coriander-like flavour and can be roasted or used as a spice. They also add a delightful flavour to biscuits when ground. The roots can be used like parsnips but must be boiled well.
Medicinal Uses of Common Hogweed:
Common Hogweed has been historically used as an aphrodisiac, digestive aid, sedative, and for treating chest complaints.
Other Uses of Common Hogweed:
It's been used as fodder for livestock, particularly pigs, earning it the common name "Hogweed." The plant is also attractive to insects, drawing around 100 different species of insect visitors.
Safety Note - Common Hogweed:
Common Hogweed is not recommended for beginners. It should never be eaten raw, and gloves should always be worn when handling.
The plant is not to be confused with Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), which can cause severe skin reactions. People allergic to celery should be cautious, as Common Hogweed belongs to the celery family. Avoid consuming this plant during pregnancy. It is known for causing photosensitive skin reactions due to the presence of furanocoumarins. It's also listed as an emmenagogue, which means it promotes menstrual bleeding, so it should be avoided during pregnancy.