Cow Parsnip: A Guide to Identification and Cultivation
What is Cow Parsnip?
Cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) is a tall, herbaceous perennial plant that is native to North America and Europe. It is a member of the carrot family (Apiaceae), and is closely related to giant hogweed, poison hemlock, water hemlock, and Queen Anne’s lace.
Cow parsnip is a vigorous plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall. It has large, serrated leaves that are up to 1.5 feet across. The stems are stout and erect, and have small, thorn-like protuberances.
The flowers of cow parsnip are white and arranged in flat-topped clusters called umbels. The umbels can be up to a foot in diameter. Cow parsnip flowers bloom in the summer.
Cow Parsnip vs. Other Similar Plants
Cow parsnip is often confused with other members of the carrot family, such as giant hogweed, poison hemlock, water hemlock, and Queen Anne’s lace. However, there are several key differences between these plants.
- Giant hogweed is the most toxic of these plants, and can cause severe burns and blisters. It is also much larger than cow parsnip, growing up to 20 feet tall.
- Poison hemlock is also toxic, and can cause respiratory failure. It has smaller leaves and flowers than cow parsnip, and its stems are smooth, not thorny.
- Water hemlock is a riparian plant that grows in wet areas. It has similar leaves to cow parsnip, but its flowers are smaller and arranged in different clusters.
- Queen Anne’s lace is a common wildflower that is often found in fields and meadows. It has smaller leaves and flowers than cow parsnip, and its stems are not thorny.
Identifying Cow Parsnip
It is important to be able to identify cow parsnip, as it can be toxic to humans and animals. The following are some key characteristics of cow parsnip:
- Large, serrated leaves
- Stout, erect stems with thorn-like protuberances
- Flat-topped clusters of white flowers
- Height of up to 10 feet
If you are unsure whether a plant is cow parsnip, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid touching it.
Growing Cow Parsnip
Cow parsnip is a relatively easy plant to grow. It prefers moist, shady locations, but can also tolerate drier conditions. It is not particular about soil type, but prefers well-drained loam or sandy loam.
Cow parsnip can be grown from seed or by division. Seeds should be sown in the spring or fall. Divisions can be made in the spring or fall, but it is important to keep the roots moist during the division process.
Cow parsnip is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much care. It is drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering. However, it will benefit from regular watering during hot, dry weather.
Uses of Cow Parsnip
Cow parsnip has a number of uses, including:
- Forage for livestock: Cow parsnip is a nutritious forage for cattle, horses, and other livestock.
- Human food: The young shoots and roots of cow parsnip can be eaten by humans. However, it is important to cook cow parsnip thoroughly before eating it, as it can cause skin irritation in some people.
- Traditional medicine: Cow parsnip has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including treating wounds and burns, and relieving pain and inflammation.
Toxicity of Cow Parsnip
Cow parsnip is not considered to be a toxic plant, but it can cause skin irritation in some people. The sap of cow parsnip contains a chemical called furocoumarin, which can cause the skin to become sensitive to sunlight. This can lead to blisters, burns, and other skin problems.
If you come into contact with cow parsnip, it is important to wash the affected area with soap and water and avoid sunlight for several days. If you experience any skin irritation, you should see a doctor.
Conclusion
Cow parsnip is a common plant that is often found in moist, shady areas. It is a relatively easy plant to grow, and has a number of uses. However, it is important to be able to identify cow parsnip, as it can cause skin irritation in some people. If you are unsure whether a plant is cow parsnip, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid touching it.