Cow Parsnip

Beware: Poisonous parsnip lurks on city (Toronto) trails

September 25, 2011 (Excerpt from article)

For those who like to go off the beaten path, beware — the Wild Parsnip could get you — and your little dog, too. 

Signs were recently posted on the city’s west-end Humber River trail warning users of the dangers of coming into contact with Wild Parsnip (an invasive, non-native species) and its native cousin, the Cow Parsnip, both of which are found all over Ontario and which can grow up to 1.2 metres (4 feet) in height.

…

The sap of Cow Parsnip has a similar but slightly less toxic effect than Wild Parsnip, which is native to Europe and Asia. Both have long, edible taproots.

To see the full article, click the following link:

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/1059508--beware-poisonous-parsnip-lurks-on-city-trails 

• Can be over 2m tall
• Stems are grooved, wooly, & hollow.
• Umbrels are always white and about 8 in (20 cm) in diameter
• Leaves are up to 16 in (40 cm), divided in lobes
• Juices can cause a rash or blisters depending on sensitivity of the individual
• If cows eat it, the milk can be spoiled

Various Native American peoples had many different uses for this plant. Perhaps the most common use was to make poultices to be applied to bruises or sores. In addition, the young stalks and leaf stems — before the plant reaches maturity — were widely used for food with the outer skin peeled off giving a sweetish flavor. The dried stems were also used as drinking straws for the old or infirm, and to make flutes for children. A yellow dye can be made from the roots, and an infusion of the flowers can be rubbed on the body to repel flies and mosquitoes.
Source: wikipedia.org
 
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