Heracleum maximum W. Bartram

Cow parsnip, Indian celery, pushki, common cowparsnip

Cow parsnip, named because cows like it, is a North American native, common except in the Gulf Coast states.

Plants: Up to 6½′ (2 m) in height. Stems are thick, grooved, hollow, hairy, and often reddish.

Leaves: Up to 1′ (40 cm) across, split into sharp lobes that vaguely resemble maple leaves, with a disagreeable odor.

Flowers: Large white compound umbels about 8″ (20 cm) in size. Individual flowers have five petals of inconsistent size. There are several other members of the carrot family with similar-appearing flowerheads, including another very common plant, Queen Anne’s lace.

Fruits: Flat, green, egg- or heart-shaped, ⅜–½ ⨉ ¼–⅜″ (9.5–12 ⨉ 6.3–9.5 mm). They smell like parsley.

Habitats: Moist, shady mountain woodlands, streambeds.

Medical: Poisonous These plants contain furocoumarins in their sap, a defense against fungal attack. It happens that these chemicals cause phytophotodermatitis in people—that is, severe sensitivity to sunlight. If you come in contact with the plant, then are exposed to long wave ultraviolet light (sunlight), the dermatitis may develop. The exposed skin becomes bright or dark red, developing large blisters. The effects resemble chemical burns, and can leave permanent discoloration or scarring. Temporary or permanent blindness can result from eye exposure.

Similar species.

Online References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Heracleum maximum description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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