How much sun does Cow-parsnip need?

Cow-parsnip grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Cow-parsnip bloom?

Cow-parsnip blooms in May, June, and July.

What pollinators does Cow-parsnip attract?

Cow-parsnip draws bees, beetles, and flies.

Is Cow-parsnip HOA-friendly?

Cow-parsnip takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cow-parsnip

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Heracleum sphondylium

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cow-parsnip (Heracleum sphondylium) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–72" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Native alternatives to Cow-parsnip

Cow-parsnip is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Cow-parsnip is a tall, dramatic biennial with large umbrella-shaped white flower clusters that bloom from May through July. This robust plant can reach up to 6 feet tall with broad, deeply lobed leaves that create a bold textural statement in partly shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cow-parsnip takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very tall and wild appearance inappropriate for front yards
Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
Can cause skin irritation similar to giant hogweed

Wildlife value

The large flower clusters attract diverse pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies during the summer months. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Cow-parsnip need?: Cow-parsnip grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Cow-parsnip bloom?: Cow-parsnip blooms in May, June, and July.
What pollinators does Cow-parsnip attract?: Cow-parsnip draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Cow-parsnip HOA-friendly?: Cow-parsnip takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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