A herbaceous plant up to 1.5 m tall with a hollow, furrowed stem, large leaves and white flowers, found in Europe, Central Asia and North Africa. see also giant hogweed.
Flowering time: June to September, fruit ripening: July to October.
The root and above-ground parts of the plant are used phytotherapeutically.
HMPC: not processed
ESCOP: not processed
Commission E: not processed
Herbal medicine: for vasodilation, e.g. for hypertension, menstrual problems, dyspepsia, diarrhea, to promote wound healing, as an aphrodisiac.
Food: Young plants are non-toxic and are used as wild vegetables, part of borscht.