Cow Parsley

• Leaves: Usually matt, compound, more rounded fern-like structure.

• Flowers: Grow 15-25cm in diameter with flat-topped clusters. Blooms around May.

• Stem: Thick with ridges, slightly hairy. • Height: 1 - 3 metres • Poisonous? No, however, The 'juice' from

Cow Parsnip leaves and stems may sensitise the skin so that it is very easily sunburned. Washing off the juice and wearing long sleeves for a few days is advised after contact.

What’s the difference between cow parsley, poison hemlock and giant hogweed?

Cow Parsley, Poison Hemlock

or Giant

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Cow Parsley Giant Hogweed

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Giant Hogweed

• Leaves: Huge, compound leaves divided into feathery/ toothed leaflets. Hairs on the underside are dense and stubby.

• Flowers: Up to 2 m in diameter. Large umbrella-like clusters. Blooms May - July.

• Stem: Thick and hollow with purple blotches and raised course hairs

• Height: 2 - 6 metres • Poisonous? Yes, classed as public health

hazard. Clear watery sap has toxins that cause photo dermatitis. Skin contact followed by exposure to sunlight produces painful, burning blisters that may leave purple or black scars. Eye contact can cause temporary or permanent blindness.

Poison Hemlock

Poison Hemlock

• Leaves: Finley divided, fern-like and lacy. Each leaf is made of several pairs of leaflets which sprout from opposite sides of the main leaf-stalk. Slight glossy sheen.

• Flowers: Grow 5-8cm in diameter. Loose clusters. Blooms June - August.

• Stem: Smooth and hairless with purple blotched hollow stems.

• Height: 1.5 - 3 metres • Dangerous? Yes, all parts can be

deadly! Seeds contain highest concentration of poison. Can cause toxic reactions when inhaled. Human deaths have occurred from consuming roots, being mistaken for wild carrots or parsnips. In ancient Greece, it was used to poison political prisoners. Socrates drank the poisonous juice to commit suicide. Native Americans once used

hemlock to poison tips