Round-Leaved Sundew vs Cow Parsnip - TreeTime.ca

Round-Leaved Sundew vs Cow Parsnip

Drosera rotundifolia

Heracleum maximum

CUSTOM GROW

CUSTOM GROW

Round-Leaved Sundew
Cow Parsnip

Round-Leaved Sundew is a native carnivorous plant, easily recognized by its bright green leaves covered in distinctive red, glandular hairs. These hairs secrete a sticky substance that is used to attract, trap, and digest insects. Their carnivorous nature allows them to survive in nutrient-poor, acidic soils where many other plants may struggle to grow.
They produce small white flowers that grow along the top of a slender, leafless stem. They can be found growing in wetlands, most often among sphagnum moss, in consistently moist, acidic soils. It does best in cooler summer climates and is intolerant of shade. Due to its small size, the plant can be difficult to spot in its natural habitat. Round-Leaved Sundew is an indicator of healthy wetland systems and is valued in ecological restoration and conservation 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.

Round-Leaved Sundew Quick Facts

Cow Parsnip Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.1 m (0.2 ft)
Height: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 0.1 m (0.4 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: rosette-forming
Growth form: upright
Spreading: axillary bud plantlets - medium, seeds - low
Spreading: seeds - low


Toxicity: sap causes skin irritation
Foliage: round, green with sticky red tentacles
Foliage: very large, palmate leaves
Fall colour: red to marooon
Flowers: tiny white flowers on long leafless stem
Flowers: large clusters of white flowers
Bloom time: 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: roundleaf sundew
Other Names: american cow parsnip, common cow parsnip