Heracleum maximum—Cow Parsnip Seeds
$3.50
sold out
A North American native, this plant can be found distributed throughout the continent except for ares near the Gulf Coast. Although it is listed as "endangered" in Kentucky and of "special concern" in Tennessee, it may be considered weedy or invasive in other places. (Yes, native plants can be considered invasive although I prefer to consider them weedy.)
Reaching over 7 feet in height, this plant is a showstopper in the garden and will need plenty of space to grow. Its name Heracleum refers to Hercules so that might give you a little bit of a hint as to how big and strong the original taxonomists considered this plant.
The plant has large leaves and the blooms are very much like other plants in the carrot family. I know that the native bees love it too.
Native Americans have many uses for the plant from using it as a dye to a drinking straw or flute.
This plant is a biennial. During its first year it will grow tall but it won't flower and set seed until the second year. If you'd like them to bloom annually start half the seeds this year and then start the next half next year. After blooming the plant sets seed and dies. Since these can naturalize in a large garden setting or meadow you can either leave them where they're at and hope that the seeds will distribute themselves naturally, or, you can help them each year by replanting a few more until the plants establish themselves. Personally, I'd just regrow the seeds. Mother Nature isn't always helpful.
Germination instructions are included with your seeds. They will need to be stratified, and this may be a little bit difficult, but with some practice and patience, you should have success. (about 75 seeds)
These seeds were collected in the wild in SE Washington.
Basic Tree Facts:
Heracleum maximum
Grows 6-8' x 4-6'
Likes sun to partial shade
USDA zones: 3a-9b
Reaching over 7 feet in height, this plant is a showstopper in the garden and will need plenty of space to grow. Its name Heracleum refers to Hercules so that might give you a little bit of a hint as to how big and strong the original taxonomists considered this plant.
The plant has large leaves and the blooms are very much like other plants in the carrot family. I know that the native bees love it too.
Native Americans have many uses for the plant from using it as a dye to a drinking straw or flute.
This plant is a biennial. During its first year it will grow tall but it won't flower and set seed until the second year. If you'd like them to bloom annually start half the seeds this year and then start the next half next year. After blooming the plant sets seed and dies. Since these can naturalize in a large garden setting or meadow you can either leave them where they're at and hope that the seeds will distribute themselves naturally, or, you can help them each year by replanting a few more until the plants establish themselves. Personally, I'd just regrow the seeds. Mother Nature isn't always helpful.
Germination instructions are included with your seeds. They will need to be stratified, and this may be a little bit difficult, but with some practice and patience, you should have success. (about 75 seeds)
These seeds were collected in the wild in SE Washington.
Basic Tree Facts:
Heracleum maximum
Grows 6-8' x 4-6'
Likes sun to partial shade
USDA zones: 3a-9b
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