hogweed

Thân thiện

A gardener carefully removes a large hogweed plant from the edge of a field.

Definition

Noun: 1. A tall, coarse plant with thick stems and clusters of white to purple flowers: Hogweed refers to various large, often invasive plants, particularly those of the genera Heracleum or Ambrosia. Some species, like giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), are notable for their size and potential to cause skin irritation.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The ditch was overgrown with hogweed.
  • Be careful not to touch the giant hogweed, as its sap can cause severe burns.
  • The fields were full of common hogweed, its white flower heads swaying in the breeze.

Advanced Usage

• "Giant hogweed": A specific, highly invasive species () known for its enormous size (can grow over 4 meters tall) and phototoxic sap that causes blistering burns when skin is exposed to sunlight.
  • Local authorities are working to eradicate giant hogweed from the riverbanks.

Variants and Related Words

• Cow parsnip (): A native North American plant similar to, but generally smaller and less toxic than, giant hogweed.
• Wild parsnip (): A related plant that also has phototoxic sap and is sometimes confused with hogweed.

Synonyms

• Cow parsnip (for some species)
• Wild rhubarb (a common name for some large-leaved species)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "hogweed" is often used generically for large, weedy plants in the carrot/parsley family (Apiaceae). Its precise meaning depends on the regional context and the specific species being discussed. It is distinct from ragweed (), which is sometimes called "hogweed" in certain regions but is a different plant that causes hay fever.

Học thuật

Noun

1. tall coarse plant having thick stems and cluster of white to purple flowers

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cow parsnip
• Heracleum sphondylium