Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Apiaceae

Genus:

Heracleum

Species:

Heracleum mantegazzianum

USDA Symbol:

HEMA17

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

550 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug

Bloom Colors:

white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, flies, beetles

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

native to moist, fertile areas like riverbanks

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification and light for optimal germination. Germination can be erratic over several months.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI