Cow Parsnip
(Heracleum maximum)
Identification Gallery
Cow Parsnip Profile
Common Name(s): Cow parsnip, American parsnip, satan celery, Indian celery, Indian rhubarb, poison turnip, and pushki
Scientific Name: Heracleum maximum
Native Range: Throughout most of North America, except the Gulf Coast and a few other neighboring southern states.
USDA Symbol: HEMA80
Habitat: Woodlands, forest openings, grasslands, stream and river edges, ditches, and along roadsides.
Growing Conditions: Full sun, not shade tolerant.
Plant Height: 5-8 feet.
Stem Description: Noticeably ridged and hollow. Pinkish or purplish tinge, covered in soft hairs. Has a large, obvious sheath at the base of the leaf stalk.
Leaf Description: 2-2.5 feet across. Leaves are divided into three maple leaf-like leaflets. May appear velvety due to fine hairs. May be less obvious as plant ages.
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate.
Leaf Surface: Velvety appearance due to fine hairs.
Flowering Period: Early summer (May-June)
Flower Description: White, flat-topped umbel, up to 1 foot across. Outer flowers may be larger then inner flowers.
Flower Color: White.
Seed Description: Small 1/4" 1/2" long, flattened and ribbed. Start out bright green, but darken when they ripen and split into two seeds.
Benefits of this Species: Excellent plant for birds and pollinators.
Other Information:
*This plant is extremely toxic. It contains a phototoxin that reacts with ultraviolet light to cause skin irritation ranging from a mild rash to severe blistering.
*It is the largest species in the carrot family in North America.
For More Information about this Species Please Visit:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center