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