Hardy Banana vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Hardy Banana vs Cow Parsnip

Heracleum maximum

Musa basjoo

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Cow Parsnip
Hardy Banana

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.

The Hardy Banana is a fast-growing evergreen perennial that dies down to the ground each year. A stunning tropical-looking accent for your yard and patio, the Japanese Fiber Banana can be overwintered outdoors in several northern U.S. states and southern Canadian regions. In northern regions, you can bring this plant inside and leave it in your garage. If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, you can use the leaves to make tamales.

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Hardy Banana Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 5a
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: high
Maintenance: medium

Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation

Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: large clusters of white flowers
Flowers: large cream to yellow
Bloom time: spring to early summer
Fruit: Large inedible
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
Other Names: japanese banana, japanese fibre banana