Heracleum maximum (formerly Heracleum lamatum)
(also known as Cow parsley, Cow cabbage, Masterwort, Hercules parsnip)
zones 3-7
50 seeds
Cow Parsnip is easily spotted due to its size (up to 9’). It can be further identified by its three-parted, toothed leaves that can grow up to a foot wide, and by its flower inflorescence that may be as large as the leaves. Both the leaves and the flowers of this plant are unusual: the leaves for their size (the largest of any American umbellifer) and the flowers for those on the margin of the flowerhead being larger than those in the center.
The Latin name Heracleum refers to Hercules, who reportedly made use of related species’ medicinal properties. When dry, the seedheads are large and lace-like, resembling giant snowflakes.
Cow Parsnip can be found along streambanks and in moist areas and animals, both wild and domestic, enjoy grazing on it. The plants’ roots, leaves, stalks, flower buds, and seeds are also edible for humans, but require some preparation to remove the prickles. Great care must be taken to distinguish it from its deadly-poisonous cousins, Water Hemlock and Poison Hemlock.
NOTE: in an effort to keep the seed capsules whole, they are shipped in a small box to avoid crushing by postal processing. This results in an increased shipping charge, reflected in the seed cost.
sorry, this product is not available for shipping to Canada
Scatter seeds outdoors in prepared soil in fall in desired location. Prefers rich, moist soil and full sun to part-shade.
Heracleum maximum (formerly Heracleum lamatum)
(also known as Cow parsley, Cow cabbage, Masterwort, Hercules parsnip)
zones 3-7
50 seeds
Cow Parsnip is easily spotted due to its size (up to 9’). It can be further identified by its three-parted, toothed leaves that can grow up to a foot wide, and by its flower inflorescence that may be as large as the leaves. Both the leaves and the flowers of this plant are unusual: the leaves for their size (the largest of any American umbellifer) and the flowers for those on the margin of the flowerhead being larger than those in the center.
The Latin name Heracleum refers to Hercules, who reportedly made use of related species’ medicinal properties. When dry, the seedheads are large and lace-like, resembling giant snowflakes.
Cow Parsnip can be found along streambanks and in moist areas and animals, both wild and domestic, enjoy grazing on it. The plants’ roots, leaves, stalks, flower buds, and seeds are also edible for humans, but require some preparation to remove the prickles. Great care must be taken to distinguish it from its deadly-poisonous cousins, Water Hemlock and Poison Hemlock.
NOTE: in an effort to keep the seed capsules whole, they are shipped in a small box to avoid crushing by postal processing. This results in an increased shipping charge, reflected in the seed cost.
sorry, this product is not available for shipping to Canada
Scatter seeds outdoors in prepared soil in fall in desired location. Prefers rich, moist soil and full sun to part-shade.
