Heracleum maximum
Record ID:93Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Heracleum maximum |
| Common Names: | Indian Celery, Pushki, Wild Parsnip |
| Key Name: | Common Cow Parsnip |
| Parts Used: | Leaves, roots, seeds |
| Sister Plants: | Heracleum lanatum, Angelica archangelica, Pastinaca sativa |
| Comments: | Perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in moist, sunny meadows |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Perennial (3-10 ft), erect ridged stem, large lobed leaves with serrated edges, white umbel flowers (4-8 in across), blooming summer |
| Stem: | Erect, 3-10 ft, ridged, green with purple spots |
| Leaves: | Large, lobed, serrated edges, 1-2 ft wide, dark green |
| Flowers: | White umbel flowers, 4-8 in across, in flat-topped clusters, blooming June-August |
| Fruit: | Ovoid schizocarps, 0.5-1 cm, with winged seeds |
| Taste: | Bitter (roots), mild (leaves) |
| Odour: | Mild, celery-like scent from flowers |
| Root: | Thick taproot |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse3.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.0WBNRWz-G6TqBOGeXwKq1AHaFj%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=41346203815a80cbb7d8ff95ec3d85d63cf5993b5eeccc33285b5db36d0e2b03&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to North America, from Alaska to California |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun to partial shade, moist well-drained soil; propagate by seed or division in spring; space 2-3 ft apart; water regularly |
| Harvest: | Leaves/Roots: Summer (June-August); Seeds: Late summer |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant, analgesic |
| Medical Uses: | Used for arthritis, respiratory issues, urinary complaints, and pain relief; roots for poultices, leaves for tea |
| Constituents: | Furanocoumarins, volatile oils, flavonoids |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture) |
| Dosage: | Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves/roots in hot water, 1-2 times daily; Tincture: 1-2 mL three times daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Infusion or tincture; External: Poultice |
| Formulas: | |
| Contra Indications: | May cause phytophotodermatitis; avoid contact with skin or eyes; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves/roots in hot water 10 min; Poultice: Crush fresh roots |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for wound healing or respiratory support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | No |
| Pollinator: | 1 |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, flies; some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, native pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, traditional crafts |
| Culinary Uses: | Young stems/leaves edible when cooked (use cautiously due to phototoxicity) |
| History: | Used by Indigenous peoples for medicine and food; noted in North American ethnobotany |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS |
| URL: | https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Heracleum+maximum |
| Share: | Private |