Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil vs Cow Parsnip

Potentilla pensylvanica

Heracleum maximum

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CUSTOM GROW

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil
Cow Parsnip

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is well suited for naturalisation projects as it is a wildflower native to North America. It is widespread and can be found growing in rocky soils at higher elevations in the mountains and foothills, as well as the dry prairies. The Pennsylvania Cinquefoil is capable of growing in cold, harsh conditions. The bright yellow flowers are found at the top of long stalks in small dense clusters and are ideal for attracting pollinators.

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.

Pennsylvania Cinquefoil Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.0 m (0.1 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation
Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: yellow
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, YT, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: prairie cinquefoil
Other Names: american cow parsnip, common cow parsnip