Heracleum sibiricum

Heracleum sibiriacum, commonly known as Siberian hogweed, is a perennial herb native to the Eurasian steppes. Valued in traditional medicine, its roots and seeds contain essential oils and flavonoids. Often used to treat digestive issues and respiratory ailments, this potent plant requires careful handling due to its strong botanical properties.

  • Scientific name: Heracleum sibiricum
  • Family: Apiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Heracleum sibiricum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Apiales. Finally, it is classified under the family Apiaceae and the genus Heracleum.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Apiales WCVP
Family Apiaceae WCVP
Genus Heracleum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Heracleum sibiricum, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Belarusian (be-tarask) it is called баршчэўнік, while in Belarusian (be) it is known as Баршчэўнік сібірскі. In Azerbaijani (az), the plant is named Sibir baldırğanı, and in Lithuanian (lt), it is called Sibirinis barštis. Additionally, in Finnish (fi), it is commonly referred to as idänukonputki.
Language Common Name Source
be-tarask баршчэўнік Wikidata
be Баршчэўнік сібірскі Wikidata
az Sibir baldırğanı Wikidata
lt Sibirinis barštis Wikidata
fi idänukonputki Wikidata
lv Sibīrijas latvānis Wikidata
ru борщевник Wikidata
uk Борщівник сибірський Wikidata
ar هرقلية سيبيرية Wikidata
et siberi karuputk Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Heracleum sibiricum, exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several Northern European territories. It can be found growing within the natural landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence extends to the islands of Great Britain. The species also occupies significant portions of the Scandinavian Peninsula, specifically in Norway and Sweden. Together, these locations define its documented range within the Northern European region.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Southwestern Europe France WCVP
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, commonly known as Siberian hogweed, possesses various anatomical structures, but its fruits are particularly notable for their specific morphological characteristics. The fruits are typically dry, schizocarpic structures that split into two single-seeded mericarps upon maturity, a common trait among members of the Apiaceae family. These small, ribbed fruits are essential for the plant's reproductive cycle and are often studied in botanical contexts to help distinguish this species from its close relatives.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Heracleum sibiricum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Bergapten, Pimpinellin, furanocoumarins.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
Bergapten 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Pimpinellin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
furanocoumarins 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Heracleum sibiricum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Alzheimer's Disease, food contamination, foodborne diseases.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Alzheimer's Disease 1 ★☆☆☆☆
food contamination 1 ★☆☆☆☆
foodborne diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆