A bit of a monster! Purple buds form into tiny white flowers

Hi

As mentioned in my intro thread this has appeared in my garden, It's around six and a half foot high and I reckon it could be some kind of 'Angelica' but am slightly worried by the size of it and thrown by the leaf shape. It's not very hairy so hopefully not Hogweed. The purple buds form into tiny white flowers.

Any help greatly appreciated. Sorry about the size of the pic, couldnt work out how to make it smaller.



moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic

 

Hi Chippers,

Do you have any photo's taken from a distance, so the whole plant can be seen? Are the flowers fully open, or do they open up further?

Although I cannot id this plant right now, I can put your mind at rest that it's definitely NOT hogweed. I can well imagine that you wouldn't want that in your garden! Hogweed has very different leaves, and flowers at the very top of the plant.

Regards, Gardenelf

 

I was wondering if it might not be a Valerian.
Perhaps the Valeriana officinalis.
Does its open flowers have a sweet scent?

To be honest, I can't see enough of the plant to be sure.

 

I think you may be right Sjoerd.

I also can assure you this is NOT Hogweed.
Have a look at my photos in plantstew if you need convincing
Heracleum mantegazzianum (Giant Hogweed)

 

Hi again and many thanks for your replies,here is a pic taken from a distance, the fence is around 8ft high, so you can imagine the size of the thing.



The flowers do have a slightly sweet smell along with a touch of aniseed. Actually quite nice, but I wont start eating them just yet.

 

With the description of the fragrance and seeing the habitus, I am thinking more and more that it may well be the Valeriana officinalis.

 

Thats great, many thanks all for your help. :-D