Common Hogweed

Latin Name:

Heracleum sphondylium

Manx Name:

Farrain

Season:

June - September

Locations where this species is found:
Port Soderick Conrhenny Plantation Clypse and Kerrowdhoo Calf of Man Maughold Ayres

This common plant can be found throughout the island.

Easily confused with the highly toxic Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), this plant still contains low concentrations of phototoxic compounds which can cause allergic reactions in some people, especially in sunny weather.

While this plant is listed as edible by many sources, foragers should ideally avoid this plant, both because of the risk of misidentification and the possibility of allergic reactions.

A member of the carrot family, this plant has many relatives that are very similar in appearance, some of which are extremely poisonous. Foragers should take great care when dealing with any member of the carrot family.

The Manx name for this plant is "Farrain".
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