About This Plant

Cow parsnip is a large herbaceous plant of the carrot family, widely distributed throughout moist areas of North America. It's Known for its large dissected leaves and hairy hollow stems, which are sometimes mistaken for Devils Club in appearance.

Flat topped umbels of white flowers bloom late summer to fall, attracting birds and butterflies (a larval host of the Anise Swallowtail). These give way to a large brown display of seed heads. The plant is a good food source for many wild and cultivated animals.

Peeled or cooked stems were widely used by Indigenous North Americans like celery. Roots were used to treat swelling, and flowers as an insect repellant. Though a useful edible and medicinal plant, caution is needed. Careful not to confuse it for the poisonous water hemlock. Also the outer skin of cow parsnip can cause a skin irritation and rash when exposed to light.