Panicle Hydrangea vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Panicle Hydrangea vs Cow Parsnip

Hydrangea paniculata

Heracleum maximum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Panicle Hydrangea
Cow Parsnip

Panicle Hydrangea is a large, broad-leaf, deciduous shrub that is prized for its ornamental appeal. It is easy to care for, long-lived, and cold-hardy.

Depending on the variety, its flowers change color throughout the blooming period. Make sure you water Panicle Hydrangeas regularly to achieve the most notable color change.

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.

Panicle Hydrangea Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: medium


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


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