Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum
Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum
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Pl. 36EB — Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum
Heracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricumHeracleum sphondylium sibiricum
IOverview
Overview
Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum, a biennial plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae), is native to regions including Altay, Bulgaria, and parts of Europe such as Central European Rus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, and France. Known for its edible properties, this plant can thrive in various light conditions—full sun, partial sun/shade, or full shade—and prefers moist soil types, ranging from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). Reaching a height of 1.8 meters, it is notable for its large leaves and stems that are often used as food sources.
Quick answers
What is Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum?
Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum, a biennial plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae), is native to regions including Altay, Bulgaria, and parts of Europe such as Central European Rus, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, and France.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum thrives in full sun to partial shade and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This biennial plant grows up to 1.8 meters tall and is hardy in temperate regions. For best results, sow seeds directly where you want them to grow, as this species does not transplant well. Harvest edible parts such as leaves, roots, shoots, and stems during the second year of growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial
Mature size
1.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, light-loving plant that thrives in moist soil and partial sun.
- 1
What you'll need
A packet of seeds or young plants, a garden fork, compost, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for biennial growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a spot with light to partial shade. Amend soil with compost; ensure it's moist, well-draining, and rich.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in rows 60 cm apart. Transplant young plants if needed, spacing them 30-45 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Fertilize lightly with compost tea every 4-6 weeks.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to encourage new growth. Harvest shoots and young leaves in spring before flowering.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to mulch, not providing enough space between plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRootShootsStem
Edible uses: Sweetener
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 8 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 22 native· 8 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (11)BulgariaDenmarkFinlandFranceItalyNorwayPolandRomaniaRussiaSwedenUkraine
Asia2 regions
native (2)KazakhstanMongolia
Broader regions
native:Altay, Czechoslovakia, Transcaucasus
introduced:Buryatiya, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Irkutsk, Khabarovsk, Labrador, Maine, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 36eb9df2-c8b4-494e-b8a5-1f32e40a40c3
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