Differences between Heracleum mantegazzianum and H. sphondylium I have heard about the hazards associated with Giant Hogweed and the trouble is when trying to identify it, it is very similar by the looks to normal hogweed. When fully grown, there is a big difference in height with Giant Hogweed (hence the name **Giant** Hogweed, but when it is small, how can you tell the difference? **Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)** ** ![Hogweed \(Heracleum sphondylium\)]( Image from WikiMedia

Yes, the species can be identified by the shape of the leaves. The leaves of _H. sphondylium_ are more or less flat (in one plane); the leaves of _H. manteggazianum_ are more crisped and much more pointed.

Here are two pictures from the Dutch wikipedia (h. sphondylium last): ![enter image description here]( ![enter image description here](