Plancia ëd Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier

Descrission:

There is some confusion between H. mantegazzianum(an alien)and H. maximum (cow-parsnip - a native plant). Please have a look at http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/ghcanadareport.pdf for details. I collected seed later in the year (see separate photo) which in my view resolved the matter of what this plant actually is. Giant hogweed is quite poisonous, the sap causing blistering and scarring when in contact with the skin.