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Cow Parsnip

What is cow parsnip?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Scientific name Heracleum maximum[5]
Family Apiaceae[4]
Native range North America[3]
Growth form herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial[1]
Stems hollow[1]

Cow parsnip is a tall herb in the carrot family, genus *Heracleum*, with hollow stems and clusters of usually white flowers. In North America, it commonly refers to *Heracleum maximum* parsnip.

Context

Cow parsnip is a tall herb in the carrot family, genus *Heracleum*, with hollow stems and clusters of usually white flowers. In North America, the name commonly refers to *Heracleum maximum* [3]. Its sap contains a phototoxin that can cause skin irritation or blistering after ultraviolet light exposure [5].

Documented claims

  • Cow parsnip is described as a tall wild plant with large leaves and clusters of small white flowers. [2]
  • Its sap contains a phototoxin that can cause skin irritation or blistering after ultraviolet light exposure. [5]
  • The name can refer generally to species in the genus *Heracleum*, but in North America it commonly refers to *Heracleum maximum*. [1]
  • Cow parsnip is commonly confused with giant hogweed. [1]

Questions and answers

What does cow parsnip do to a person's skin?

Its sap contains a phototoxin that can cause skin irritation or blistering after ultraviolet light exposure [5].

Are cow parsnip and hogweed the same?

Cow parsnip is commonly confused with giant hogweed, but they are not the same [1].

Is cow parsnip native to Canada?

Yes, cow parsnip is native to North America [3].

Sources

  1. Cow Parsnip - NYSDEC - Department of Environmental Conservation — dec.ny.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Cow Parsnip — extension.usu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Heracleum maximum (American Cow-parsnip ... - Plant Toolbox — plants.ces.ncsu.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  4. Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum) Plant Guide — nrcs.usda.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  5. COW PARSNIP Definition & Meaning — merriam-webster.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Things