Downy Cow-Parsnip
Heracleum pubescens
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 0.8
Where it is found
Damp shady places.
W. Asia. Possibly naturalized in parts of C. and W. Europe.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
The young shoots are filled with a sweet aromatic juice and are eaten raw.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil, doing best in moist soils or deep woodland.
Propagating it: Seed - sow mid to late spring or early autumn in situ. Division in autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;
Habit: Biennial/Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many members of this genus contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties. Skin contact with the sap of some members of this genus is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people.