Lookalike guide
Giant hogweed vs Cow parsley
The lacy white heads of spring lanes look similar from a distance.
Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris): Native wildflower — harmless.
| Feature | Giant hogweed | Cow parsley |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 3–5 m | Around 1 m |
| Leaves | Huge and jagged | Fine, fern-like |
| Flowering | June–July | April–June |
Quick test
Fern-like leaves at knee to waist height means cow parsley.