Downy Cow-Parsnip
Heracleum pubescens
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. 5806 — Heracleum pubescens
Heracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescensHeracleum pubescens
IOverview
Overview
Downy Cow-Parsnip, scientifically known as Heracleum pubescens, is a biennial or perennial plant native to the Krym region. It thrives in moist environments and can be found growing in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. This herbaceous plant reaches a height of 0.8 meters and prefers full sun, partial sun/shade, and full shade conditions. Downy Cow-Parsnip is known for its edible parts, which include leaves, shoots, and stems, making it a valuable resource in local cuisine. Its distinctive feature includes soft, downy hair covering the plant, giving it a fuzzy appearance.
Quick answers
What is Downy Cow-Parsnip?
Downy Cow-Parsnip, scientifically known as Heracleum pubescens, is a biennial or perennial plant native to the Krym region. It thrives in moist environments and can be found growing in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. This herbaceous plant reaches a height of 0.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Downy Cow-Parsnip thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This biennial or perennial grows up to 0.8 meters tall and is native to the Krym region. It's hardy in temperate regions but requires regular watering for best growth. Propagation can occur through seeds or division of established plants. The edible parts include leaves, shoots, and stems.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade, Full shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Mature size
0.8 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Downy Cow-Parsnip for the first time
8steps
Downy Cow-Parsnip is a forgiving plant for beginners, but it requires specific care to thrive.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a garden fork, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is moist, light to heavy, with good drainage. Amend soil if necessary.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 cm deep or transplant young plants, spacing them about 60 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the area moist and weed-free to help seedlings establish. Mulch lightly if needed.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun to partial shade.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to encourage new growth and maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too much direct sunlight, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough space.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShootsStem
Edible uses: Downy Cow-Parsnip is edible and its leaves, shoots, and stems can be consumed. Typically, these parts are harvested young and tender for use in salads or cooked as vegetables. The plant thrives in moist conditions and partial to full sun, making it suitable for garden cultivation where it can provide a unique addition to culinary dishes.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
1 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
1 native · 3 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 1 native· 3 introduced
Europe3 regions
native (1)Ukraine
introduced (2)AustriaFrance
Broader regions
introduced:Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · 5806387d-118a-4d83-a74f-7a5ebfa54b83
Decision aid
Choosing between Downy Cow-Parsnip and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.