Heracleum sphondylium montanum Cow parsnip (Umbelliferae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Heracleum sphondylium montanum
Cow parsnip
(1 Page of 5)

The Heracleum sphondylium montanum plant species is found in N. America to W. Asia. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cow parsnip. Some home gardeners know the variety as H. cordatum. H. lanatum. Michx. H. maximum.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Heracleum sphondylium montanum
Common Name:  Cow parsnip
Family:  Umbelliferae
Author:  (Schleich. ex Gaudin.)Briq.

Known Hazards:  Many members of this genus, including this species[65], contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties. The fresh foliage can cause dermatitis[21]. If the juice and hairs of the outer skin are left on the face and mouth, they can cause blisters[212]. This effect is especially prevalent for people with fair complexions[256].

Mature Height:  2.4   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Rich damp soils of prairies and mountains, especially along streams and in open woods in Western N. America[212].

Medicinal Information: Cow parsnip was widely employed medicinally by a large number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a wide variety of complaints, but especially as a poultice on bruises, sores etc[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism, though perhaps it merits further investigation. All parts of the plant are antirheumatic, antispasmodic, carminative, febrifuge, odontalgic and stimulant[21, 94, 155, 172, 257]. The leaves are tonic[257]. They have been used in the treatment of colds[257]. A soothing drink made from the leaves is used to treat sore throats[257]. A poultice of the heated leaves has been applied to minor cuts, sore muscles etc[257]. An infusion of the fresh young stems has been used in the treatment of diarrhoea[257]. It has also been used as a wash to remove warts[257]. The plant has been used in the treatment of epilepsy[213]. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of indigestion, colds, stomach cramps, rheumatism, sore throats, TB etc[222, 257]. Externally, the root is used as a poultice on sores, bruises, swellings, boils, rheumatic joints, VD scabs etc, whilst a bit of root has been held on an aching tooth to reduce the pain[222, 257]. The root can be crushed, mixed with water and used as an antidandruff hair wash[257]. The root contains psoralen, which is being investigated for its use in the treatment of psoriasis, leukaemia and AIDS[222]. The seed has been used to treat severe headaches[257].

For further Heracleum sphondylium montanum gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

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'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future