Is this plant the same as Giant Hogweed?

No, it is a native species that is significantly smaller and less aggressive than the invasive Giant Hogweed.

While historically used, it is not recommended due to the high risk of severe skin reactions from handling the plant.

Plant guide

Cow parsnip.

Heracleum maximum

Pronounced heh-RAK-lee-um MAK-si-mum

Also known as American cow-parsnip, American cowparsnip, American hogweed, Common Cowparsnip, Cow Parsnip, Cowparsnip, Indian celery, Pushki

Cow parsnip is a striking native perennial that brings a wild, woodland feel to damp, shaded areas. It produces large, umbrella shaped clusters of white flowers that pollinators absolutely love. You will find it growing naturally in moist meadows and along forest edges.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 6 to 10 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 3 to 8
Bloom time: Late spring to mid summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist as this plant thrives in damp environments. Watch for wilting during dry spells, which is a clear sign it needs more water. Be careful when handling, as the sap can cause painful, blistering burns on anyone's skin if it is exposed to sunlight after contact, so wear gloves and long sleeves.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once in the spring.
Pruning: Cut back dead foliage in late autumn or early winter.
Repotting: Repot only if the plant becomes rootbound in a container.
Soil: Rich, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.5
Temperature: -35 to 25°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%

Safety

People: All parts of the plant contain furanocoumarins which cause phytophotodermatitis.
Pets: This plant can cause skin irritation or photosensitivity in pets if they brush against the sap.
Children: Keep children away from this plant because the sap causes painful burns if touched and exposed to sunlight.
Contact allergens: Contact with the sap followed by sun exposure causes painful, blistering skin rashes.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Edibility: The plant contains phototoxic compounds that can cause severe skin blistering when exposed to sunlight after contact.

How to identify it

Large, deeply lobed maple shaped leaves
Stout, hollow, and hairy stems
Broad, flat topped white flower clusters
Tall stalks reaching several feet high

Height: 1 to 2.5m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: white, 15 to 30cm
Fruit: brown, Late summer

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Slugs and SnailsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed
When to plant: spring, autumn

Group this plant in the back of a moist border where its height can be appreciated without risking accidental contact.

Grows well with

Joe Pye Weed · They share similar moisture requirements and bloom timing.
Blue Vervain · This plant provides a nice color contrast to the white umbels.

Similar species

Giant Hogweed · This is a much larger, highly invasive, and dangerous relative.

Science

Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Heracleum
Order: Apiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Widespread across most of North America.
Conservation: It is widespread and secure across its native range.

It thrives in moist, rich soils along woodland edges and stream banks where it can access consistent water.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, larval host plant
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, beetles
Uses: native garden, pollinator habitat, wildlife garden

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 4/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is this plant the same as Giant Hogweed?: No, it is a native species that is significantly smaller and less aggressive than the invasive Giant Hogweed.
Can I eat it?: While historically used, it is not recommended due to the high risk of severe skin reactions from handling the plant.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Heracleum honors the Greek hero Heracles, while maximum refers to its large size compared to other plants in the family.

Good to know

It is the only member of its genus native to North America.
Indigenous peoples historically used various parts of the plant for food and medicine.
The large, hollow stems were sometimes used by children to make whistles.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your cow parsnip growing

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.