Species cow parsnip

cow parsnip

Heracleum lanatum ( syn. of H. sphondylium montanum, H. maximum )

Cow parsnip is an herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Its large, bristly leaves emerge from a single, hollow stem and a rosette base. Its bright white or cream-colored flowers bloom in flat-topped umbels, measuring up to 30 cm across. The plant typically grows to a height of up to 2 meters, usually in moist, shady meadows. It has valuable medicine properties for treatment of skin allergies, catarrh, headaches, and rheumatism. Cow parsnip is found in the temperate and boreal zones of the Northern Hemisphere. It can be a beneficial weed, though its presence should be monitored for its poisonous properties.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3

Flowers:

Showy, White Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun

Soil:

Bog, Well-drained

Fruits:

Fruits In Summer Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

High

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Cow parsnip should be watered once every 5 to 7 days or when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. When watering cow parsnip, it is important to avoid wetting its leaves, as they may be sensitive to wet conditions. Instead, water should be applied to the base of the plant or around its root system. When watering cow parsnip, it is important to use lukewarm water and to avoid overwatering, as this will lead to root rot and other diseases caused by poor drainage.

sunlight

Cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) prefers full sun exposure, particularly in the summer months. It should receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the spring, cow parsnip can tolerate some periods of partial shade. In the winter, the plant should receive at least 4 hours of direct sun each day. With too much shade, the growth and flowering will be affected. For optimal growth, ensure that your cow parsnip is in an area that receives ample direct sunlight.

pruning

Cow parsnip is best pruned during the dormant season, typically early winter. This species responds well to regular pruning and will flower at the end of the following summer, providing beautiful white blooms. Pruning should be done when the leaves have died back and before any new growth begins. It is important to remove dead or weak foliage to encourage new and healthy growth. When pruning cow parsnip, remove any dead, diseased or insect-damaged stems and branches at ground level. For a more formal look, prune the center stem and the stems around it to about 2-thirds their original size. This will keep the plant tidy and promote new growth. Pruning too much may result in its death, so be sure to keep the pruning to no more than a third of the total size.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Cow parsnip typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Cow parsnip typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

) Harvesting of Heracleum lanatum (cow parsnip) typically begins in late June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map