Echinacea vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Echinacea vs Cow Parsnip

Echinacea angustifolia

Heracleum maximum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Echinacea
Cow Parsnip

Echinacea is a unique flowering plant. The tall stalks topped with badminton-birdie-like flowers make this plant a distinctive addition to any garden or yard.

Echinacea this drought tolerant and will attract bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife.

Cow Parsnip is a native perennial plant that grows tall with very large leaves and broad clusters of white flowers. It grows quickly, providing quick cover in disturbed areas.
Its flowers are large and plentiful, providing nectar and pollen for bees, flies, and butterflies. Its seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. The young shoots of the plant are edible, but care must be taken as the sap of this plant can cause skin irritation (see below).
Note: The sap of the Cow Parsnip can cause phytodermatitis when exposed to ultraviolet light (sunlight). This can cause rashes or even burns. Care should be taken if pruning or handling this plant.

Echinacea Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none


Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation
Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: purple flowers
Flowers: large clusters of white flowers
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: american cow parsnip, common cow parsnip