Blue Moon Wisteria vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Blue Moon Wisteria vs Cow Parsnip

Wisteria macrostachya Blue Moon

Heracleum maximum

CUSTOM GROW

Blue Moon Wisteria
Cow Parsnip

Blue Moon Wisteria is a striking, flowering vine, and the hardiest of the wisterias. Up to three times in one growing season you can expect showy, fragrant, lavender-blue flowers.

Make sure you plan your site as this vine requires a structure to support its mature weight. Try planting close to a post, trellis, or fence.

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.

Blue Moon Wisteria Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $15.99 - SAVE UP TO 30%
Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: can be toxic to cats, dogs, and horses when consumed

Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation
Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: blue/purple strings of flowers
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: american cow parsnip, common cow parsnip