  heracleum mantegazzianum, commonly known as giant hogweed, cartwheel-flower, giant cow parsnip,"hogsbane" or giant cow parsley, is a plant in the family apiaceae. in new zealand it is also sometimes called wild parsnip, or wild rhubarb, it typically grows to heights of . superficially, it resembles common hogweed (heracleum sphondylium), heracleum sosnowskyi or garden angelica (angelica archangelica). it is phototoxic and considered to be a noxious weed in many jurisdictions. giant hogweed is native to the caucasus region and central asia. it was introduced to britain as an ornamental in the 19th century, and it has also spread to many other parts of europe, the united states and canada. the sap of giant hogweed causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters, long-lasting scars, andâif it comes in contact with eyesâblindness. these serious reactions are due to the furocoumarin derivatives in the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds of the plant. ==description== giant hogweed has a stout, bright green stem that is frequently spotted with dark red and hollow re
Apiaceae Flora_of_Asia Invasive_plant_species Invasive_plant_species_in_Europe Invasive_plant_species_in_the_United_States Poisonous_Apiaceae