Hybridises with : Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) to produce Heracleum sphondylium × mantegazzianum.

Some similarities to : Giant Hogweed but Hogweed is only half as tall at up to 2 or 3 metres, the flower umbels of much smaller diameter, and the fruits are wider. The leaves of Giant Hogweed are not only larger, up to a metre long, but differ in form being more fan-shaped, rather than having great chunks missing from the edges which is what Hogweed looks like.

The flowers of Hogweed, unlike those of Giant Hogweed, can sometimes have a pinkish or purplish colour. Sometimes both white and pink flowers can be on the same plant, but on differing umbels. The straw-coloured seed pods are flattened and oval, with four streaks radiating downwards from the top.

Not to be confused with: Cow Parsley (a member of the same family and similar name) nor with Cowslip [a plant of similar name but which belongs to the Primrose family].

Uniquely identifiable characteristics

Distinguishing Feature : The shape and size of the lower leaves give it away. These leaves are quite distinct from the leaves of Giant Hogweed, which are also very distinguishable.

Hogweed (and Wild Parsnip) has much the same furocoumarins as does Giant Hogweed, and as such any sap on the skin can give rise to the same photodermatitis, where subsequent exposure of the skin to sunlight will lead to an intense itching and burning sensation leading to the formation of wheals which can be slow to heal. See Giant Hogweed for more details and structural chemical formulae.

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