Common Hogweed

Heracleum sphondylium — Apiaceae

Italiano: Panace comune — Panace

Description

Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) belongs to the Apiaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Hedgerows, Fields, Roadsides, Meadows environments across regions including All Europe, Alps, Balkans, UK. Botanically, Common Hogweed is cAUTION distinguish from giant hogweed. Young shoots artichoke flavor. Leaves cooked. Stems peeled.. It is also known locally as Panace. The edible parts include Shoots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds. With an edibility rating of 7/10, it ranks as a good wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, July, June, March, May and September. Nutritionally, Common Hogweed stands out for its Vitamin K (30.0mg, 25% DV), Vitamin C (20.0mg, 22% DV) and Vitamin A (50.0mg, 6% DV). It also provides 1.5g protein and 2.0g dietary fiber per 100g serving. In the kitchen, Common Hogweed offers a Artichoke celery flavor profile. Shoots cooked asparagus stems peeled leaves boiled. Common culinary applications include shoots asparagus, stem pickle, cooked leaves, seed bread. Popular preparations include Panace shoots, Panace stem pickle, Toasted seed snack, Seed flour bread. For storage, fresh 2d. Safety note: No toxicity common hogweed. GIANT H. mantegazzianum TOXIC photoburns. Antinutrient content is furanocoumarins moderate skin sensitivity. Be aware that GIANT HOGWEED H. mantegazzianum TOXIC photoburns check size. Safe lookalike species include Wild parsnip. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

🌿 Foraging Tips

Where to find: Grows in Hedgerows, Fields, Roadsides, Meadows across All Europe, Alps, Balkans, UK.

🍳 Recipe: Panace shoots

Preparation method: Shoots cooked asparagus stems peeled leaves boiled
Flavor profile: Artichoke celery
Edible parts: Shoots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds

This is one of the traditional ways to prepare this wild edible plant. Always ensure proper plant identification before cooking.

When to harvest: Best months: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep.
Lookalike (safe): Wild parsnip
⚠️ Lookalike (toxic): GIANT HOGWEED H. mantegazzianum TOXIC photoburns check size
Tip: Always verify identification with multiple sources before consuming any wild plant. When in doubt, do not eat it.

Edibility

7/10
Toxicity: No toxicity common hogweed. GIANT H. mantegazzianum TOXIC photoburns
Antinutrients: Furanocoumarins moderate skin sensitivity
Safe lookalikes: Wild parsnip
Dangerous: GIANT HOGWEED H. mantegazzianum TOXIC photoburns check size

Harvest Calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Edible parts: Shoots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds
Preparation: Shoots cooked asparagus stems peeled leaves boiled
Flavor: Artichoke celery

Nutrition (per 100g)

Protein: 1.5g
Fat: 0.2g
Fiber: 2.0g
Vitamin C: 20.0mg (22%DV)
Vitamin A: 50mcg (5%DV)
Vitamin E: 0.3mg (2%DV)
Vitamin K: 30mcg (25%DV)
Folate (B9): 8mcg (2%DV)
Calcium: 30.0mg (2%DV)
Iron: 1.0mg (5%DV)
Magnesium: 15mg (3%DV)
Potassium: 120mg (2%DV)
Zinc: 0.3mg (2%DV)

Culinary Uses: shoots asparagus, stem pickle, cooked leaves, seed bread Storage: Fresh 2d

Recipes

  • Panace shoots
  • Panace stem pickle
  • Toasted seed snack
  • Seed flour bread
  • Seed dressing granola
  • Wild winter pesto made from Common Hogweed
  • Traditional Common Hogweed soup
  • Common Hogweed and potato frittata

Where It Grows

Continent: Europe
Regions: All Europe, Alps, Balkans, UK
Habitat: Hedgerows, Fields, Roadsides, Meadows
⚠️
Important: Always verify plant identification before consumption. This content is for informational purposes only. Consult reliable sources and experts before eating any wild plant. Improper identification can be dangerous.

Related Plants

🌿 Black Locust🌿 Blackberry🌿 Blackthorn

Sources & References

Kew Plants of the World USDA PLANTS Wikipedia (EN)