Red Prince Weigela vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Red Prince Weigela vs Cow Parsnip

Heracleum maximum

Weigela florida Red Prince

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Cow Parsnip
Red Prince Weigela

Cow Parsnip is a native perennial wildflower known for its tall growth, very large leaves, and broad clusters of white flowers. The abundant blossoms provide nectar and pollen for a wide variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Birds and small mammals feed on its seeds, while the foliage serves as a larval host for certain butterfly species.

Cow Parsnip is often among the first native perennials to establish in disturbed or open sites. It typically grows in moist meadows, along streambanks, forest edges, and roadsides. Although usually a short-lived perennial or biennial, it readily self-seeds and maintains strong populations where conditions are favorable.

Cow Parsnip is the only native Heracleum in North America and should not be confused with the highly invasive Giant Hogweed (H. mantegazzianum).

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.

Red Prince Weigela should be the next flowering shrub you add to your yard. Vibrant red tubular blooms flower two times per season, once in spring and again in late summer.

This shrub is versatile, deer and rabbit resistant, and drought tolerant once established. Try planting Red Prince Weigela as a specimen plant or for your next border/hedge.

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Red Prince Weigela Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 3a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: low
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation

Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: large clusters of white flowers
Flowers: small, red/pink
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: american cow parsnip, common cow parsnip