American cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum, Travels Carolina: 344 (1791))

Family: Apiaceae

Author: W.Bartram

Bibliography: Travels Carolina: 344 (1791)

Year: 1791

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Heracleum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Russian Far East to Japan, Subarctic America to U.S.A.

Description

American cow-parsnip, scientifically known as Heracleum maximum, is a notable plant species widely recognized for its extensive geographical distribution and its intriguing botanical characteristics. Described by the eminent naturalist W. Bartram in his influential work “Travels Carolina” published in 1791, this plant belongs to the Apiaceae family, a large family of flowering plants known for their umbrella-like inflorescence.

This perennial herbaceous plant exhibits impressive adaptability, thriving in a range of environments from the Russian Far East to Japan and across North America, spanning from the subarctic regions to temperate zones of the United States. The American cow-parsnip can often be found in moist, fertile soils typically along streams, in meadows, and in forest clearings.

Heracleum maximum is distinguished by its striking appearance. It can grow to impressive heights, sometimes surpassing six feet, with large, broad leaves that can measure up to a foot across. The plant produces large umbels of small white flowers, which attract an array of pollinators during its blooming season.

Despite its beauty, the American cow-parsnip must be approached with caution. Like many members of the Apiaceae family, it can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals upon contact, especially when combined with exposure to sunlight. This reaction is due to the presence of furanocoumarins in the plant’s tissues.

Besides its ecological importance, Heracleum maximum has also been a part of traditional practices for indigenous peoples in North America. Various parts of the plant have been utilized for medicinal purposes and as a food source, although proper preparation is essential to mitigate its potential toxicity.

In summary, the American cow-parsnip stands out as a fascinating subject within the botanical world, celebrated for its robustness, widespread habitat, and historical significance. Understanding its characteristics not only enriches our knowledge of plant biodiversity but also underscores the intricate connections between plant species and their ecosystems.

Common Names

En: American Cow-Parsnip, COMMON COWPARSNIP, Cow parsnip, Cowparsnip, American cow parsnip, Common cow parsnip
Fr: Berce laineuse, Berce très grande, Grande berce, Poglus

Synonyms

• Heracleum turugisanense (Honda)
• Heracleum douglasii (DC.)
• Heracleum lanatum subsp. asiaticum (M.Hiroe)
• Heracleum lanatum var. asiaticum ((M.Hiroe) H.Hara)
• Pastinaca lanata (Koso-Pol.)
• Heracleum auritum (Bisch.)
• Heracleum sphondylium f. rubriflorum (H.Ohba)
• Heracleum sphondylium var. lanatum ((Michx.) Dorn)
• Heracleum lanatum f. dissectum ((H.Ohba) T.Yamaz.)
• Heracleum dulce (Fisch., C.A.Mey. & Avé-Lall.)
• Heracleum lanatum f. rubriflorum ((H.Ohba) T.Yamaz.)
• Sphondylium lanatum ((Michx.) Greene)
• Heracleum lanatum (Michx.)
• Heracleum sphondylium subsp. lanatum ((Michx.) Á.Löve & D.Löve)
• Heracleum sphondylium var. turugisanense ((Honda) H.Ohba)
• Heracleum barbatum var. turugisanense ((Honda) M.Hiroe)
• Heracleum moellendorffii var. turugisanense ((Honda) Ohwi)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Michael Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2021 by Eric Larsen (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 12, 2022 by kirstee harper (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2020 by Savannah (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by MKJL Property (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2022 by Guylaine Grégoire (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by Luc Fleurent (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 26, 2022 by Benoit Rainville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by voxferalis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Eric Dailey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 16, 2020 by MKJL Property (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Shawn McBurnie (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 4, 2022 by Pascal Guerin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Chase Hammack (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 20, 2019 by Leah Harrison (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 29, 2020 by Danielle Mccloy (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:843087-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Heracleum maximum W. Bartram)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034826)

Specifications

Growth