Cow Parsnip

Description:

"Cow Parsnip is a tall herb, reaching to heights of over two meters. The genus name Heracleum (from "Hercules") refers to the very large size of all parts of these plants. Cow Parsnip has the characteristic flower umbels of the carrot family (Apiaceae), about 20 cm across; these may be flat-topped, as in the pictures above, or more rounded, and are always white. Sometimes the outer flowers of the umbel are much larger than the inner ones, as in the top image. The leaves are very large, up to 40 cm across, divided into lobes (see image). The stems are stout and succulent. The seeds are 8-12mm long and 5-8mm wide"

Notes:

"Various Native American peoples had many different uses for this plant; all parts of it were used by one nation or another. Perhaps the most common use was to make poultices to be applied to bruises or sores. In addition, the young stalks and leaf stems — before the plant reaches maturity — were widely used for food with the outer skin peeled off giving a sweetish flavor. The dried stems were also used as drinking straws for the old or infirm, and to make flutes for children. A yellow dye can be made from the roots, and an infusion of the flowers can be rubbed on the body to repel flies and mosquitoes"