Heracleum sphondylium
Berce commun
Hogweed
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Sainte Baume |
| Flower colour | white |
| Flower size | small |
| Flowering months | April, May, June, July |
| Leaf type | Pinnate |
| Height | 50-120 cm |
Description
The plant smells faintly of pigs, hence the name ‘Hogweed’. A sturdy plant, with hollow, ridged, hairy stems.
Grows in light woodland.
Flowers
The umbels (15-30 rays) are large, flat, 15 cm across. The petals of the outer flowers are uneven.
Leaves
Pinnate row of leaflets on either side of the stem. Rows of 3-7 leaflets on stalks on either side of the stem, serrated and lobed or just lobed. Variable. Lower leaves to 60 cm, upper leaves smaller.
Fruits Seeds
Schizocarp: a dry fruit round to heart-shaped, striped, with wide rim that splits into single seeded parts when ripe.
Edible
Young shoots: have a taste similar to asparagus.
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