This is a federally listed noxious weed which was a popular ornamental during Victorian times. It can easily reach heights of 12 - 15 feet with umbels 4 - 6 feet broad. Many people suffer a dermal toxic reaction if they come in contact with this species. The resulting lesions are often permanently discolored purplish or black. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish this species from Heracleum maximum (= Heracleum lanatum) in the immature stages. Here`s the trick: the hairs on the LOWER leaf surface of Heracleum maximum are +/- 1mm long while those of Heracleum mantegazzianum are shorter (+/- .25mm long).