Giant Hogweed or NOT

[Frankie-prawn]

Please help

Is this Giant Hogweed / Angelica or whatever, it is growing next to the stream in my garden, I have never seen it before its around 6-7 feet tall with pinkish flowers

Regards Frankie-Prawn

[Johnny Redgate]

It's not Giant Hogweed and it does look very like Wild Angelica.

[Frankie-prawn]

Johnny Redgate, Thanks for your instant response

I have been concerened as If it was Giant Hogweed it would need destroying but if it is an indigenous species the so called experts say dont control it so what do you recon as I have worked on rivers and all types of waterways before and dont remember seeing one like this

Regards Frankie-Prawn

[Johnny Redgate]

I don't see much reason to control it unless you just don't like it! I suppose it might be the cultivated Garden Angelica (I'm not sure if the differences would be apparent in your photo). Wild Angelica can make 8ft apparently though usually much less - you have a very robust specimen whichever it is.

[ladyhawk]

Looks like wild angelica going by the leafs

[aeshna5]

Wild Angelica, Angelica sylvestris.

[DavidJO]

People do get into a panic over Giant Hogweed, but it's a magnificent plant and I don't see it as such a menace as, say Japanese Knotweed. I know the sap is corrosive, so don't touch it then! Am I wrong?
I have to admit I having a sneaking admiration (probably misplaced) for invaders like these, and Himalayan Balsam, Buddleia, and Oxford Ragwort too. Should I feel guilty?