Downy Cow-Parsnip

Heracleum pubescens

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

W. Asia. Possibly naturalized in parts of C. and W. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Stem Edible Uses: The young shoots are filled with a sweet aromatic juice and are eaten raw[2, 105, 177, 183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many members of this genus contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties[200]. Skin contact with the sap of some members of this genus is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218].