Phantom Hydrangea vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Phantom Hydrangea vs Cow Parsnip

Hydrangea paniculata Phantom

Heracleum maximum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Phantom Hydrangea
Cow Parsnip

Phantom Hydrangea is a striking deciduous shrub with impressive blooms. It is multi-stemmed and produces pale green flowers that fade to white and soft pink as they mature. These flower clusters can reach up to 15” (40cm) long and while other shrubs will droop from the flowers' weight, Phantom Hydrangea has sturdy stems that support them.

This adaptable shrub will make a beautiful addition to your yard as a flowering hedge or as an ornamental plant on its own. Try pruning the flowers after they are spent to get even larger flower heads.

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.

Phantom Hydrangea Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

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


Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation
Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: large white flower clusters
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