Photo: Thomas EbnerCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Marsh Hogweed Plant Care
Peucedanum palustre (L.) Moench
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's most distinctive visual feature is its delicate and feathery leaves that resemble lace. Originating from wetlands and marshes in Europe, Peucedanum palustre is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unusual foliage and its ability to attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Marsh Hogweed?
Water Marsh Hogweed every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Marsh Hogweed Native To?
- Afghanistan
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- The Netherlands
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uzbekistan
What Is the Marsh Hogweed?
Marsh Hogweed (Peucedanum palustre) belongs to the Apiaceae family within the Peucedanum genus. Marsh Hogweed is native to most of Europe, extending eastwards to Central Asia. Marsh Hogweed is also known as Marsh Parsley.
Marsh Hogweed displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Marsh Hogweed produces small clusters of white or yellow flowers in umbels.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Marsh Hogweed?
Peucedanum palustre requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Marsh Hogweed Need?
Marsh Hogweed thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Marsh Hogweed Prefer?
Peucedanum palustre grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Marsh Hogweed prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Marsh Hogweed?
Well-draining loamy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Marsh Hogweed to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Marsh Hogweed?
Feed Marsh Hogweed every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Marsh Hogweed?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Marsh Hogweed?
Marsh Hogweed can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to heart-leaved alexanders plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Marsh Hogweed Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Marsh Hogweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Marsh Hogweed?
Marsh Hogweed is susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Marsh Hogweed Need?
Marsh Hogweed grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Marsh Hogweed is native to most of Europe, extending eastwards to Central Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Marsh Hogweed is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Peucedanum genus — compare its care with other Peucedanum species on PlantoScan.
Peucedanum is part of the Apiaceae plant family — browse all Apiaceae genera and species.
Marsh Hogweed thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Peucedanum Species
Other Peucedanum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Peucedanum palustre (L.) Moench, family Apiaceae (first published in Methodus : 82 (1794)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Marsh Hogweed, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Thomas Ebner, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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