Cow Parsnip

Heracleum maximum Cow parsnip looks like something straight out of Jurassic Park, with its immense leaves and towering umbels of clustered white flowers. Its scientific name is even derived from Hercules, son of Zues, legend for his extraordinary size and power. Unsurprisingly, in the most ideal conditions, this unique beauty can reach up to ten feet tall - though it commonly tops out at half that size. Its gigantic leaves emerge in early spring and are a larval food source for many insects. Next come the thick hairy stalks that boast spectacularly huge spring to summer blooms that provide nectar to adult butterflies, bees and other insect pollinators. Please see safety note below.  Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, herbaceous plant Size at maturity: 3-10' high, 2-5' wide Light requirements: full sun to full shade Moisture requirements: moist to seasonally wet soil Bloom time: April - August (May - June in the Portland Metro area) Growth rate/ease: medium growt