Sibiricum Cow Parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum)

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

Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to September. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet substance resembling sugar forms on the dried stems. — Stem and young shoots - raw or cooked.; Used as a green vegetable, when harvested just as they are sprouting from the ground they are somewhat like asparagus in flavour.; The rind is somewhat acrid.; A sweet substance resembling sugar forms on the dried stems.

Habitat & North American Range

Grassy places and rough ground. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)