Will curling leaves kill my giant hogweed?

Usually no, as long as you address the underlying cause quickly. The plant is quite vigorous and recovers well once the stress is removed.

Should I prune off the curled leaves?

Only prune them if they are turning brown and crispy. Otherwise, leave them on so the plant can continue to photosynthesize.

Why are my giant hogweed leaves curling? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the curled leaves for small insects.
Touch the soil to see if it feels dry to the touch.
Observe if the leaves recover after the sun sets.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near the stems. The leaves may also look sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water from your garden hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply an insecticidal soap directly to the affected areas every 5 to 7 days.
Heat stress
Possible
How to tell: The leaves curl inward during the hottest part of the day when the plant cannot pull up water fast enough. They usually perk back up once the sun goes down or the temperature drops.
What to do: Increase your watering frequency to every 3 days during heat waves. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help the soil retain moisture.

Curling leaves on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your giant hogweed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Worry if the leaves stay curled even at night or if you see significant yellowing or browning along with the curl. It is normal for the plant to wilt slightly during peak afternoon sun.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the soil consistently moist and monitor the plant weekly for early signs of pests.

Giant Hogweed: curling leaves? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your giant hogweed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will curling leaves kill my giant hogweed?: Usually no, as long as you address the underlying cause quickly. The plant is quite vigorous and recovers well once the stress is removed.
Should I prune off the curled leaves?: Only prune them if they are turning brown and crispy. Otherwise, leave them on so the plant can continue to photosynthesize.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are my giant hogweed leaves curling?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your giant hogweed?