Still beside the River Leven at Stokesley, and I spotted this hogweed seed head against a sheltered part of the riverbank, and I couldn't resist this shot.
Hogweed is a native plant (unlike its dangerous alien relative, giant hogweed) which is abundant in hedgerows, roadside verges, waste grounds and rough grasslands. As a member of the carrot family (an umbellifer), it displays large, umbrella-like clusters of creamy-white flowers between May and August (although it can flower all year-round) which are attractive to a range of insects. Seed heads form after flowering, with the seeds having a striped pattern.
The hollow stems of hogweed were traditionally used in many children's games as water guns, pea-shooters and swords. Its sap is less toxic than that of giant hogweed (and some other umbellifers), so doesn't cause the same skin irritation.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I was fortunate to get this seed head against a very well shaded area of the opposite bank of the River Leven, giving it a nice dark, almost black background, and emphasising the detail of the seeds.
Indeed - Giant Hogweed should be avoided because of the damage it can do to skin. Fortunately no signs of Giant Hogweed along the banks of the River Leven!
Ian
August 29th, 2024
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Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
I was fortunate to get this seed head against a very well shaded area of the opposite bank of the River Leven, giving it a nice dark, almost black background, and emphasising the detail of the seeds.
Ian
Indeed - Giant Hogweed should be avoided because of the damage it can do to skin. Fortunately no signs of Giant Hogweed along the banks of the River Leven!
Ian