Heracleum maximum
Common Cowparsnip · Cow Parsnip · American Cow Parsnip · Common Cow Parsnip
Description
Source: leafsnapHeracleum maximum, commonly known as cow parsnip, is the only member of the genus Heracleum native to North America. It is also known as American cow-parsnip, Satan celery, Indian celery, Indian rhubarb or pushki.
🌳 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 2-3 weeks
☀️ 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