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cow parsnip

About cow parsnip

cow parsnip is a super rare houseplant 🌿 that is a fun challenge to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

cow parsnip likes soil that is well draining. You may want to supplement with a gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season.

cow parsnip belongs to the Heracleum genus, and is native to North America andAsia.

⚠️ cow parsnip is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Heracleum maximum

Genus

Heracleum

Family

Apiaceae

Order

Apiales

Also known as

cow parsnip, American cow-parsnip, Indian celery, Indian rhubarb, pushki and Heracleum lanatum

How to care for cow parsnip

💦 Water

How often to water your cow parsnip

cow parsnip needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for cow parsnip in your home

cow parsnip love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

cow parsnip does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of cow parsnip in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize cow parsnip

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for cow parsnip: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your cow parsnip after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs

⭐ Difficulty Level

cow parsnip can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!

💦 Water Needs

cow parsnip prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

☀️ Sunlight Needs

cow parsnip requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

cow parsnip is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.

🪴 Soil

cow parsnip does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

💩 Fertilizer

cow parsnip is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

cow parsnip grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
cow parsnip can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 4a-10b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

🌱 Propagation

The seeds of cow parsnip can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.