Cow Parsnip (Heracleum maximum) Login         


        Description
  • CA Bloom Jun - Jul
  • Flowers cluster in an umbrella shape ( umbel), from 6 to 10" across.
  • Leaves are big - up to 12 inches across.
  • Flowers turn to sunflower-like seeds in August
  • Found in open moist places.
  • CA native
  • AKA Common Cowparsnip
  • Carrot Family (Apiaceae)



White flowers form a cluster that looks like a flat-topped umbrella (called an umbel). Notice the odd-looking sheath at the base of the flower stalk.



Individual tiny flowers are grouped in tiny balls (a second umbel).


Stems are hollow on this 12-foot-tall plant. It is named Heracleum because of all its large parts.

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