Downy Cow-Parsnip (Heracleum pubescens)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Heracleum pubescens is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 6in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet aromatic juice and are eaten raw. — The young shoots are filled with a sweet aromatic juice and are eaten raw.

Habitat & North American Range

Damp shady places. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)