Heracleum sp.
Hogweed, Hogweed
no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Apiaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Heracleum sp. (Hogweed) is a native California perennial in the Apiaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Angelica: Heracleum has dramatically enlarged outer petals creating irregular flower clusters; Angelica has uniform petals.; vs Conium: Heracleum has white stems and enlarged outer petals; Conium has purple-spotted stems and uniform petals.; vs Petasites: Heracleum has compound leaves and umbrella flower clusters; Petasites has simple round leaves and daisy-like flowers.; vs Acanthus: Heracleum has umbrella-shaped flower clusters; Acanthus has tall spikes of hooded flowers.; vs Anthriscus: Heracleum is massive (3-10 feet) with enlarged outer petals; Anthriscus is smaller with uniform petals.
Frequently asked questions
Is Heracleum sp. native to California?
Yes. Heracleum sp. is native to California (recorded as native).
What plant family does Heracleum sp. belong to?
Heracleum sp. is in the Apiaceae family, genus Heracleum.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.