PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun to partial shade; thrives in open, unshaded moist areas
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, avoid prolonged drought stress; ensure adequate drainage to prevent root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; prefers cool temperate climates and avoids extreme heat above 30°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, deeply lobed, jagged leaves up to 1.5 m wide, covered in coarse, bristly hairs
- Flower: Flat-topped compound umbels up to 1 m across, bearing clusters of tiny white star-shaped flowers
- Stem: Thick, hollow green stems marked with purple blotches and lined with stiff, bristly hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly during active growth. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote healthy stem and root development
Composted banana peel tea：Steep fully composted banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 with water for root drenching; avoid direct contact with stems to prevent sap transferPruning
- Wear heavy protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection when handling to avoid sap exposure
- Cut flower heads before seed maturation to prevent invasive spread
- Remove dead foliage in late autumn to reduce overwintering debris and pest habitat
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; skin contact with sap followed by sun exposure causes blistering, redness, and tissue damage; ingestion leads to oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress
Humans: Contains furanocoumarin compounds; sap causes severe phototoxic burns when exposed to sunlight, leading to blistering and permanent scarring; eye contact may cause blindness
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: N/A
