cow parsnip
noun
: a tall biennial or perennial herb (genus Heracleum and especially H. sphondylium of Eurasia and H. maximum synonym H. lanatum of North America) of the carrot family that has a hollow stem, thick taproot, and large clusters of usually white-flowered umbels see also giant cow parsnip
Examples of cow parsnip in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Situated just steps from the track, the sculpture is shaped like a cow parsnip, a flowering plant native to Indiana.
—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
19 May 2025
The plant has small groups of white flowers in an umbrella formation, similar to a common yarrow or cow parsnip, the city said.
—
Dallas News,
21 July 2022
Wild parsnip, a smaller relative to cow parsnip, grows about 5 feet tall and has thin, yellow-green stems.
—
Sarah Bowman,
The Indianapolis Star,
3 Aug. 2021
White flower clusters bloom from mid-May through July and can easily be confused with native cow parsnip.
—
oregonlive.com,
13 July 2019
Modern testing has revealed that other herbs and plants recommended by ancient authors, such as cow parsnip and the wild yam called Barbasco root, contain chemicals that can influence hormone levels.
—
Sophie Bushwick,
Discover Magazine,
29 June 2012
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Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
19 May 2025
The plant has small groups of white flowers in an umbrella formation, similar to a common yarrow or cow parsnip, the city said.
—
Dallas News,
21 July 2022
Wild parsnip, a smaller relative to cow parsnip, grows about 5 feet tall and has thin, yellow-green stems.
—
Sarah Bowman,
The Indianapolis Star,
3 Aug. 2021
White flower clusters bloom from mid-May through July and can easily be confused with native cow parsnip.
—
oregonlive.com,
13 July 2019
Modern testing has revealed that other herbs and plants recommended by ancient authors, such as cow parsnip and the wild yam called Barbasco root, contain chemicals that can influence hormone levels.
—
Sophie Bushwick,
Discover Magazine,
29 June 2012
Cite this Entry
“Cow parsnip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cow%20parsnip. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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