Heracleum lanatum
Cow parsnip · Indian celery · Indian rhubarb · Pushki
Description
Source: leafsnapHeracleum lanatum, commonly known as Cow Parsnip or Indian Celery, is a perennial plant in the Apiaceae family. Native to North America, it thrives in diverse habitats, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. The plant can grow to a height of 2 to 3 meters, with large, deeply lobed leaves featuring toothed edges. Its flowers are white or cream-colored, forming large umbels that can reach up to 30 cm in diameter. Cow Parsnip serves as a crucial food source for various wildlife, including deer, elk, moose, bears, and small mammals like rodents. Indigenous peoples have also used it medicinally to treat skin irritations caused by poison ivy or insect bites. However, it's important to note that Cow Parsnip's sap contains chemicals called furanocoumarins, which can cause skin irritation when exposed to sunlight (a condition known as phytophotodermatitis). Therefore, it is essential to avoid direct contact with the plant when harvesting or handling it. Overall, Heracleum lanatum is a beautiful native plant with significant ecological importance, but it should be handled with care due to its potential health risks.
🌳 Cow parsnip is frequently overlooked despite having uses beyond its appearance. Commonly found in the wild, it has characteristics that could be utilized — for instance, its aroma makes it a potential source of essential oils. Growers also value cow parsnip as an indicator of soil health, particularly for pointing to the presence of certain metals, a trait useful in bioremediation. Although it already serves as forage, its fibers might also be examined for material applications.
🎭 Change of season, the largest species of the Carrot Family
Care Guide
💧 Water Every 7 days
☀️ Light Full sun
Cow parsnip grows best with plenty of light, though it can also thrive in places that receive a moderate amount of light. Its steady development depends on this exposure. Too much or too little light can impair its growth, reflecting the light conditions of its native habitat.
🌡️ Temperature 0–35°C
Cow parsnip is an herbaceous temperate plant that usually grows in cooler climates with average temperatures between 0 and 35 ℃ (32 and 95 ℉). It can withstand frosty, moist conditions during its spring growing period. In summer it prefers slightly higher elevations and cooler temperatures to avoid dehydration and heat stress. To prevent excessive transpiration in the warmer months, it is advisable to water the plant regularly and provide adequate shade.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
One fertilizer application in spring is generally adequate for Cow parsnip, though multiple feedings can maximize growth. Feed every month to every month and a half. Fertilization improves leaf appearance and function, encouraging consistent color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root growth and nutrient uptake for the plant’s long-term health.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Heracleum
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 3-9
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- White
- Flower Size
- 20.32 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer