🌿 Is It or Isn’t? Wildflower Confusion Sparks a Buzz Online!

One photo, two possibilities — can you spot the difference and help solve the wildflower mystery?


On a sunny Sunday—April 27, 2025—Sofonie Dala was out volunteering with TCV at Tang Hall Community Centre. As part of the iNaturalist Challenge 2025, she joined the team in conducting a plant survey, photographing wildflowers to help monitor biodiversity.



Later that day, Sofonie shared a photo on her sustainability platforms, showcasing a tall white-flowered plant she identified as cow parsley.

But wait... was it actually cow parsley? Or could it have been giant hogweed?

🌿🌼 Now the internet is divided! Some followers are convinced it’s cow parsley, while others argue it's the dangerous and invasive giant hogweed. So, what do you think?

Take a close look at the photo and tell us in the comments:



Is it or isn’t? Cow parsley or giant hogweed?

🔍 Here’s how to tell them apart:

Giant Hogweed

  • Can grow up to 5 meters tall
  • Jagged, deeply lobed leaves
  • Purple-blotched, hairy stems
  • Highly toxic sap that causes serious burns and blisters
Source: internet 
Source: internet 
Source: internet 
Source: internet 

Cow Parsley

  • Grows up to 2 meters tall
  • Feathery, green leaves
  • Smooth, green or greenish-purple stems
  • Much less harmful sap
Source: internet 

Source: internet 

Source: internet 

⚠️ Tip: If the plant is HUGE, with purple-spotted hairy stems and sharp-looking leaves—it might be best to step away. Safety first!

🌍 Why it matters — Linking to the SDGs

This simple plant ID dilemma connects directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals:

  • SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Educating people about plant safety helps prevent injuries from toxic species like giant hogweed.
  • SDG 13 – Climate Action: Understanding and tracking plant biodiversity supports efforts to combat invasive species affected by climate change.
  • SDG 15 – Life on Land: Monitoring and protecting local ecosystems through citizen science helps preserve biodiversity.

🗣️ Your turn!
Comment below or tag us in your story:
Do you think the plant in Sofonie’s photo is cow parsley or giant hogweed? Why?
Let’s identify it—together!

#IsItOrIsnt #INaturalistChallenge2025 #BiodiversityMatters #SDGs #PlantSafety #WildflowerWatch #SofonieDala #TCV #GiantHogweedOrNot


References 

Dala, S. (2025, April). A wild Sunday at Tang Hall: Sowing seeds of change. NatureLens – Capturing nature through my camera! https://naturelens-by-sofonie-dala.blogspot.com/2025/04/a-wild-sunday-at-tang-hall-sowing-seeds.html



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