Royal Star Magnolia vs Cow Parsnip

The Royal Star Magnolia, or Star Magnolia, is an early-blooming, white fragrant flower. It has a form that resembles a starburst, hence the name. This multi-stemmed deciduous shrub is extremely popular and has won the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

The Royal Star Magnolia attracts birds and butterflies to your garden, with their large, showy flowers blooming even before it’s foliage which features a medium green leaf. They prefer slightly acidic soils.

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.

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