Blue Beech vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Blue Beech vs Cow Parsnip

Carpinus caroliniana

Heracleum maximum

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

CUSTOM GROW

Blue Beech
Cow Parsnip

Blue Beech is a beautiful, ornamental tree with enticing features. The foliage transforms throughout the season, offering a kaleidoscope of color. New leaves emerge reddish-purple, transforming to dark green, and then turn striking shades of yellow, orange, and red in fall. Once all the foliage has dropped, grooved, blue-grey bark becomes striking on a winter landscape.

Blue Beech has an attractive globular shape and has been successfully grown in both full shade and full sun locations. Make sure you provide ample moisture to ensure this tree thrives.

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.

Blue Beech Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Zone: 3b
Zone: 2a
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: none


Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation
Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: large clusters of white flowers
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Nuts: Small nuts with earthy, sweet taste
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


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