Heracleum sphondylium, common names
hogweed,
common hogweed or
cow parsnip, is a
herbaceous perennial or
biennial plant plant, in the
umbelliferous family
Apiaceae that includes
fennel,
cow parsley,
ground elder and
giant hogweed. It is native to Europe and Asia. The common name
eltrot may also be applied, but is not specific to this species. Umbelliferous plants are so named because of the umbrella-like arrangement of flowers they produce. The North American species
Heracleum maximum (also called
cow parsnip) is sometimes included as a subspecies of
H. sphondylium.