Heracleum mantegazzianum, commonly known as giant hogweed, cartwheel-flower, giant cow parsnip, hogsbane or giant cow parsley,  is a plant in the family Apiaceae. In New Zealand, it is also sometimes called wild parsnip, or wild rhubarb. It typically grows to heights of 2?5.5 m (6 ft 7 in?18 ft 1 in). Superficially, it resembles common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), Heracleum sosnowskyi, or garden angelica (Angelica archangelica). It is phototoxic and considered to be a noxious weed in many jurisdictions. Giant hogweed is native to the Caucasus region and Central Asia. It was introduced to Britain as an ornamental plant in the 19th century, and it has also spread to many other parts of Europe, the United States, and Canada.
The sap of giant hogweed causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters and long-lasting scars. These serious reactions are due to the furocoumarin derivatives in the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds of the plant.
                                
 
                                
                                        Ellen Driesse-Pladdet,  born and raised in beautiful Zeeuws-Vlaanderen close to the beach and dunes,  grew up in the middle of the nature of Zeeland's countryside. A nature lover who enjoys everything Mother Nature has to offer and treats it with respect.
I've been photographing since I could hold a..
                                        Read more…
                                    
 Globe artichoke in bloomEllen Driesse
Globe artichoke in bloomEllen Driesse Fishing nets on Lake Veere.Ellen Driesse
Fishing nets on Lake Veere.Ellen Driesse Drents-Friese Wold National Park Ellen Driesse
Drents-Friese Wold National Park Ellen Driesse Autumn on the VeluweEllen Driesse
Autumn on the VeluweEllen Driesse Colourful LabyrinthEllen Driesse
Colourful LabyrinthEllen Driesse Yellow Morning Star fluff ballEllen Driesse
Yellow Morning Star fluff ballEllen Driesse KnotwilgendijkjeEllen Driesse
KnotwilgendijkjeEllen Driesse Waving wheatEllen Driesse
Waving wheatEllen Driesse Kitchen toolEllen Driesse
Kitchen toolEllen Driesse Greek still lifeEllen Driesse
Greek still lifeEllen Driesse Petani BeachEllen Driesse
Petani BeachEllen Driesse The white rose in all its beauty.Ellen Driesse
The white rose in all its beauty.Ellen Driesse Cats in picturesEllen Driesse
Cats in picturesEllen Driesse White bouquet of tulipsEllen Driesse
White bouquet of tulipsEllen Driesse Breakwaters Cadzand-Bad during sunset.Ellen Driesse
Breakwaters Cadzand-Bad during sunset.Ellen Driesse Fruit blossom in pastelEllen Driesse
Fruit blossom in pastelEllen Driesse Sea view over the Westerschelde and North Sea at Cadzand-Bad.Ellen Driesse
Sea view over the Westerschelde and North Sea at Cadzand-Bad.Ellen Driesse Still life of autumn leavesEllen Driesse
Still life of autumn leavesEllen Driesse Poppies as in a paintingEllen Driesse
Poppies as in a paintingEllen Driesse Reflection cloud sky by the sea in Breskens.Ellen Driesse
Reflection cloud sky by the sea in Breskens.Ellen Driesse