Common cowparsnip (Heracleum maximum) is a perennial, herbaceous plant that grows 3 to 10 feet tall. The large braod leaves are lobed, and it has thick, hairy stems. The small white flowers either have both male and female parts or have only male parts. Flowers are grouped into small clusters that are grouped into larger showier, flat-topped clusters. This is a type of compound inflorescence called an umbel. The CPP four letter code for this species is HELA (this species was formerly named Heracleum lanatum). This species is currently monitored at Golden Gate NRA and Redwood NP.
Download the USA-NPN datasheet for Heracleum maximum here.
Download the CPP species profile for Heracleum maximum here.
For additional information about this species, visit these pages:
Heracleum maximum on the USA-NPN website
Heracleum maximum on USDA PLANTS