Look what's popped up in the woods: it's
Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed). These aren't native to this country, but were introduced in 1820 as an ornamental species. Unfortunately, their sap contains chemicals called furanocoumarins, which react with sunlight to cause burns on skin (a condition known as phytophotodermatitis). So, look but don't touch...
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| Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) leaf. This will get bigger. |
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| Behold the terrifying hairs on the leaf stalk |
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| Feathery Anthriscus sylvestris (cow parsley) |
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| Flowers of cow parsley. This type of inflorescence is called an umbel |
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