Giant Hogweed Taken at Doonfoot on 7th July 2019 using Panasonic Lumix LX5 in macro mode. Taken at Cunigar Loop, Glasgow on 1st June 2024 using Panasonic Lumix TZ70 in macro mode. Giant Hogweed. Species: Order: Family: Habit: AKA: Heracleum mantegazzianum. Apiales. Apiaceae.. Biennial. Cartwheel-flower,giant cow parsnip,hogsbane, giant cow parsley Habitat: Blooms: Height: Feature: Grassy banks, woods, roadsides. April-September. Up to 5 mts. The scientific name derives from the Greek hero Heracles (Roman: Hercules) Native of the Caucusus, it is naturalised in Western Europe. It contains a volatile substance which sensitises the skin and may cause blistering especially during warm weather. The sap of giant hogweed causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters, long-lasting scars, and, if it comes in contact with eyes,blindness.