Photographs: Co. Dublin

Giant Hogweed Heracleum mantegazzianum Feabhrán capaill Family: Apiaceae Flowering June - July. Biennial or perennial. Introduced Large umbels (to 50cm wide) of creamy-white flowers with some bracts and bracteoles. Large ammounts of seed is produced. The leaves are up to 2.5m wide with acutely lobed or toothed leaflets and the stems are hollow and red-spotted. Height to 5.5m. Poisonous and causes dermatitis when in contact with the skin in sunlight An invasive and rapidly spreading garden escape or discard that can form large colonies by roads and rivers and on waste ground. Similar: Hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium

Giant Hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Feabhrán capaill