Seaside Arrowgrass vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Seaside Arrowgrass vs Cow Parsnip

Triglochin maritima

Heracleum maximum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Seaside Arrowgrass
Cow Parsnip

Seaside Arrowgrass is a native perennial commonly found in wetlands, salt marshes, and moist meadows. It is especially suitable for difficult growing sites. Its dense root system helps stabilize soil, while also providing food, cover, and habitat for small animals within the wetland community.

Seaside Arrowgrass is suitable for shoreline stabilization, wetland restoration, and naturalization projects.

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.

Seaside Arrowgrass Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: upright, clump-forming
Growth form: upright
Spreading: rhizomes-low, seeds-low
Spreading: seeds - low

Toxicity: can be toxic to humans and livestock

Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation
Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Flowers: very small, pinkish-white, hair like
Flowers: large clusters of white flowers
Bloom time: spring to early summer
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, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, PE
Other Names: common arrowgrass, common bog arrowgrass, shore arrowgrass
Other Names: american cow parsnip, common cow parsnip