Wallace W Hansen Native Plant Nursery and Gardens Perennial Section of Northwest Native Plant Catalog

CAUTION: The 'juice' from Cow Parsnip leaves and stems may sensitize the skin so that it is very easily sunburned. Washing off the juice and wearing long sleeves for a few days apparently is the ticket after exposure.

The umbilliferae of Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) contain furano-coumarins which, when exposed to sunlight, cause significant photo-toxic reactions (photosensitivity). One of the more common skin reactions to Cow parsnip, is the ‘weed eaters’ or ‘strimmers’ dermatitis. When string trimmers are used to clear long grass, components of weeds are usually mulched and scattered in all directions, often coating the legs and arms of the operator. The sap of the plants then gets on the skin, and, when exposed to sunlight, gives rise to a very characteristic rash which may be severe and persist for many months.

For more information, please see the Telemedicine website at www.telemedicine.org/botanica/bot5.htm

WALLACE W HANSEN

Native Plants of the Northwest
Native Plant Nursery & Gardens

Updated April 14, 2010

Heracleum lanatum (Cow Parsnip) A massive native perennial, towering at 8-10.’ The central stem forms an umbrella of smaller stems adorned with huge, coarsely toothed leaves. The flower head is similarly an umbrella of tiny, white flowers. Butterflies love the flowers, as do beneficial insects like ladybugs. Cow Parsnip likes a rich, moist soil and plenty of room to grow. It is native along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts (USDA 3-9). Sometimes referred to as “Indian Celery” or “Indian Rhubarb,” Cow parsnip was widely used by Natives as a vegetable. They ate the peeled stalks raw. It is not a good idea to sample this plant, as it closely resembles Water Hemlock, Poison Hemlock and Giant Cow Parsnip, all of which are extremely dangerous! Although plants may last only a few years, they will reseed themselves generously before they pass.
SEE NOTE BELOW--Be very careful when coming into contact with this plant!

CAUTION: The 'juice' from Cow Parsnip leaves and stems may sensitize the skin so that it is very easily sunburned. Washing off the juice and wearing long sleeves for a few days apparently is the ticket after exposure. The umbilliferae of Cow Parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) contain furano-coumarins which, when exposed to sunlight, cause significant photo-toxic reactions (photosensitivity). One of the more common skin reactions to Cow parsnip, is the ‘weed eaters’ or ‘strimmers’ dermatitis. When string trimmers are used to clear long grass, components of weeds are usually mulched and scattered in all directions, often coating the legs and arms of the operator. The sap of the plants then gets on the skin, and, when exposed to sunlight, gives rise to a very characteristic rash which may be severe and persist for many months. For more information, please see the Telemedicine website at www.telemedicine.org/botanica/bot5.htm

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WALLACE W HANSEN

Native Plants of the Northwest Native Plant Nursery & Gardens

Updated April 14, 2010

Native Plants of the Northwest
Native Plant Nursery & Gardens