Heracleum sphondylium
Gewone berenklauw / Cow parsnip
Apiaceae (Schermbloemenfamilie)Africa (north), Northern America (whole), Asia (west), Europe (whole)
Edible plant part (6)
Shoots (growing),
leaves,
roots,
stems,
flower buds,
seeds
Read 'form of consumption' for safe preparation methods
Cow parsnip belongs to the herbacious layer in the food forest. The growth rate is fast. Fully grown the plant has an average height of 1.2 to 3 meter and a width of 1.2 to 2.4 meter.
This species forms a taproot root system. This species is strongly spreading in the food forest. Cow parsnip is no nitrogen fixer.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heracleum_sphondylium_blad.jpg
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Heracleum_sphondylium_blad.jpg
foto: Peter O'Connor, https://www.flickr.com/photos/anemoneprojectors/5038324387
foto: Peter O'Connor, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hogweed_%28Heracleum_sphondylium%29_seeds_%2810184548515%29.jpg
Growth factors
- Light
-
full sun
light shade
half shade
fairly deep shade
deep shade
- Soil moisture
-
inundation
wet
moist
dry
drought
- Soil acidity
-
very acid
acid
slightly acid
neutral
alkaline
- Soil fertility
-
very rich
rich
average
poor
very poor
Flowering and pollination
- Flowering period (peak)
- early may
- Flowering period (length)
- several months
- Pollination vector
- insects
Life Span and Plant Health
Harvest and Consumption
Shoots (growing)
Leaves
Roots
Stems
Flower buds
Seeds
- Harvesting period - start
- End of march
- Form of consumption
- Fresh, processed
- Form of consumption
- Fresh, processed