Heracleum sphondylium Cow parsnip (Umbelliferae)

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Heracleum sphondylium
Cow parsnip
(1 Page of 5)

The Heracleum sphondylium plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cow parsnip.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Heracleum sphondylium
Common Name:  Cow parsnip
Family:  Umbelliferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  Many members of this genus, including many of the sub-species in this species[65], contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties. See below for more details.

Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Moist grassland and ditches, by hedges and in woods[7, 17].

Medicinal Information: The roots and the leaves are aphrodisiac, digestive, mildly expectorant and sedative[7, 9, 238]. The plant is little used in modern herbalism but has been employed in the treatment of laryngitis and bronchitis[9, 238]. A tincture made from the aerial parts of the plant has also been used to relieve general debility, though it is uncertain how it works[7, 238]. The plant is harvested as it comes into flower and can be dried for later use[9].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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