Cow Parsnip

(Heracleum maximum)

Other Names:
In Alaska known as Moose Parsnip

Range:


Family:
Apiaceae - Carrot or Parsley Family

Growth Type:
A large herbaceous plant which grows from 3-10 feet tall. Leaves are 12"-18" and rough and hairy. Leaves are divided into 3 segments, with coarsely toothed leaflets and a broad wing at the base of each leaf stalk. Stems are rough, hairy, hollow and grooved. It has white or cream colored flowers with a sweet fragrance. Flowers have 5 petals of different sizes and are arranged in broad, flat-topped clusters at the top of short stalks. Blooms in mid-summer

Height:
Grows from 3-10 feet tall.

Leaves:
Leaves are 12"-18" and rough and hairy. Leaves are divided into 3 segments, with coarsely toothed leaflets and a broad wing at the base of each leaf stalk

Stem/Trunk:
Stems are rough, hairy, hollow and grooved

Root:
Taproot

Flower Season:
Summer

Flower Appearance:
White or cream colored flowers with a sweet fragrance. Flowers have 5 petals of different sizes and are arranged in broad, flat-topped clusters at the top of short stalks.

Seed/Fruit:
N/A

Miscellaneous characteristics:
This plant has been known to cause photosensitivity (sensitivity to sunlight) in some people. This has caused severe sunburns. Until you know how this plant may affect you, wear gloves when handling, and do not consume uncooked.

Habitat:
Widespread throughout North America. Absent only in the Southeastern United States. Grows in a variety of habitats including wet areas, old meadows, woodlands, forest openings, grasslands, stream and river edges, and along roadsides.

Parts Used:
Whole plant

Culinary Uses:
Eat the tender roots of young plants in the spring. The roots taste a bit like strong rutabagas, or parsnips. You can also peel and eat the young leaf stalks, and young flower stalks. I think they taste wonderfully reminiscent of celery, and are by far the best part of the plant.

Traditional Medicinal Uses:
Cow parsnip has a long history of use among Native American tribes. Modern herbalism does not typically use this plant. However, there are benefits that might suggest rethinking its inclusion in the herbal Pharmacopoeia.

An infusion made from the leaves have been shown effective at treating sore throats and colds. It is also effective at treating diarrhea, and as an external wash to treat/remove warts. Use tincture of the seeds to alleviate severe headaches. The root can be chewed and placed as a poultice to alleviate a toothache. Root tinctire has been shown effective at treating oral pain. The antispasmodic actions of the plant make it a natural method of treating epilepsy.

Medicinal Actions:
Alalgesic, Antirheumatic, Antispasmodic, Carminative, Febrifuge, Odontalgic, Stimulant, Tonic