Hansen's Northwest Native Plant Database

Heracleum lanatum (Cow Parsnip, Indian Celery, Pushki)

Kingdom Plantae – Plants

Subkingdom Tracheobionta – Vascular plants

Superdivision Spermatophyta – Seed plants

Division Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants

Class Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons

Subclass Rosidae

Order Apiales Family Apiaceae – Carrot family

Genus Heracleum L. – cowparsnip

Species Heracleum maximum Bartram – common cowparsnip

I love this massive native perennial, towering at 8-10.’ I like to cut one of the huge flower heads and stick it in a vase indoors. They give a softly vanilla scent to the air.

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.

Native along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts (USDA 3-9), Cow Parsnip likes a rich, moist soil and plenty of room to grow.

Although plants may last only a few years, they will reseed themselves generously before they pass.

This Heracleum is a fine choice for the back of a perennial bed, behind small shrubs or filling a corner of the garden.

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!

There is some interest in using various parts of Cow Parsnip for food. For instance, http://wildfoodgirl.com/2011/cow-parsnip-for-breakfast-dinner-dessert/ says, "My definition of a good day: Cow Parsnip for breakfast, dinner and dessert. She offers recipes and tips along that line.

Another source for recipes using this and other native plants is The Wild Vegetarian Cookbook by "Wildman" Steve Brill. Recipes in his book include Cow Parsnip Pilaf, Cow Parsnip Cheese Buns, Cream of Sorrel Soup and Greek Cattail Salad.

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center of the University of Texas at Austin notes: "Early in each year, Native Americans peeled and ate the young sweet, aromatic leaf and flower stalks."

As with anything gathered in the wild, it is critical to make a correct identification prior to interacting with flora or fauna.

There are some other plants that may be mistaken for Cow Parsnip. See more info here: ..\..\information\white_flowers\white_comparison.html

Botanical drawing at right originally appeared in Flora Batava, Volume 7 (1830) by Jan Kops, Heran Christiaan van Hall. Permission has been granted for use by Kurt Stueber under GFDL