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Heracleum lanatum

cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum)
Heracleum lanatum
Common Names cow parsnip
Family Parsley
Flower Color White
Plant Type Herb
Short Description Photosensitive skin reaction, wet soil. Is poisonous to humans.
Location McCall
Native Yes
Weed No

cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum) cow parsnip (Heracleum lanatum)

Like St. John's Wort, Cow Parsnip produces phototoxins that cause the skin to be very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. When children are wearing shorts and encounter Cow parsnip, from the underside of the leaves, a reddish florescent substance is rubbed on to the skin, then activated by ultra violet sunlight, resulting in rashes and other irritations (dermatitis).

cow parsnip