Flora report; The common cowparsnip

The common cowparsnip, is named that because it is eaten by the cows and if eaten by cows them it can ruin there milk in there utters. known as the Indian celery, or pushki. It is the only member to the hogweed genus in the northern american region. Refered to as the heracleum maximum, or heracleum lahtum. Sub species, H. sphondylium subsp.

Cowparsnip is only found coast to coast in north america, except for Texas, Alaska, and some parts of Canada. It is an endangered plant in kentucky, and is considered a invasive weed there. There located in the tops of mountains and some valleys that have damped grounds, where the animals eat them like bears, and only a couple of other animals.

Native americans consider them celery, and use the unmatured young roots of the plants to make food, but have to boil them to eat them. The roots are boiled and peeled, and made into a yellow food dye. They are only white, and never turn a different color than white. Native americans put the roots onto there skin to cure bruises and soars.

The plant can grow up to 8ft. tall, and the the actual leaves are 40cm across and if in contact with your skin can cause a miled rashes or a blistering severe dermatitis. The plant is flat on top and if viewed from the top it looks circular.