Cow Parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium montanum)

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Heracleum sphondylium montanum is a PERENNIAL growing to 2.4 m (7ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen in August. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tastes like a swede. — Tastes like a swede.; Used like potatoes, though it is considered to be poisonous by some writers.; The peeled stem can be eaten raw but is best cooked.; The unpeeled stem can be used when young, or just the inner tissue of older stems can be used, before the plants flower.

Habitat & North American Range

Rich damp soils of prairies and mountains, especially along streams and in open woods in Western N. America. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)