English: Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) Hogweed is the most common member of the parsley family, and bright orange soldier beetles can quite often be found on their flowers. Until fairly recently the plant used to be gathered for pig fodder and the young leaves were once considered a delicacy fit for humans; when boiled they taste similar to asparagus. Children have long used the hollow stems of the plant as pea shooters.