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Heracleum maximum
The Cow Parsnip is a tall herb, reaching to heights of over two meters. It has the characteristic flower umbels of the carrot family (Apiaceae), about 20 cm across; these may be flat-topped, as in the picture at right, or more rounded, and are always white. The leaves are large, up to 40 cm across, divided into lobes. The stems are stout and succulent.
The juices of all parts contain a phototoxin that can act on contact with skin and exposure to ultraviolet light, causing anything from a mild rash to a blistering, severe dermatitis, depending on the sensitivity of the individual. The plant is a pernicious weed especially in pastures, where it can ruin the milk of cows that eat it. 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.
5 Comments
Solved! Cow Parsnips!
Looked -- definitely not Viburnum. This plant that I show is only one part of a larger "creature" ... the whole thing is very flat, this is a macro of one section only. I don't have a picture of the whole thing up close, but in another photograph that I will post, they are in the foreground (will be of Roosevelt Elk)
There are varieties of QAL, I thought this was one of them. I realize there's no "spot of blood" in the center, making it not a true QAL, but it resembles QAL 99%. Will check viburnum, thanks, Lynn!
This looks more like a viburnum - do you have any pictures of the leaves?
Here's a link to Queen Anne's Lace
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daucus_caro...
The flower in the pic looks a bit different. See what you think. :)