Cow-parsnip by the Upper Bluffs: August 2021

Cow-parsnip (which can grow to 10 feet in height) is found all over Ontario in moist meadows, thickets and forests.

Lately I have been seeing signs warning about touching the plant. Cow-parsnip is not toxic, but the juice can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Here is how it looked this morning in a field by the Upper Bluffs.

Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)

Photos from earlier in the season.

Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)
Cow-parsnip (Heracleum maximum)

Cow-parsnip is a close relative of the much more deadly Giant Hogweed.

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

MYSTERY PLANT

I will identify it at the end of the post.

Views of the Upper Bluffs.

Some botany

Apple (Malus)
Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
White Elm (Ulmus americana)
Choke Cherry (Prunus virginiana)
St. John’s-wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Prickly Lettuce (Lactuca serriola)
Hawthorn (Crataegus)
Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia)
Timothy (Phleum pratense)
Riverbank Grape (Vitis riparia)
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus inserta)
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa)
Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)
Black Walnut (Juglans nigra)
Crown Vetch (Securigera varia)
Queen Anne’s-lace (Daucus carota)
Common Burdock (Arctium minus)
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Chicory (Cichorium intybus)
Late Goldenrod (Solidago gigantea)
Meadowsweet (Spirea alba)
Yellow Avens (Geum aleppicum)
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Daisy Fleabane (Erigeron annuus)
Ninebark ((Physocarpus opulifolius)
Birdfoot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatis)

MYSTERY PLANT

The striking fruit bodies of Staghorn Sumac.

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)

NATURE POETRY

this is the garden: colours come and go,
frail azures fluttering from night’s outer wing
strong silent greens serenely lingering,
absolute lights like baths of golden snow.                        – e e cummings (1894–1962)

Miles Hearn

1 thought on “Cow-parsnip by the Upper Bluffs: August 2021

  1. Lisa Volkov

    Well, I got the “Sumac” part of it, anyway!
    Another place I enjoy, with magnificent views and beautiful botanicals. Thanks, Miles!

    Reply

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