Actually "cow parsnip" is a misnomer.
The alpine regions support shrubby grown to alders, Devil's club, elderberry, lady fern, cow parsnip and other plants.
However, cow parsnip has large, broad leaves and an unpleasant odor.
The cow parsnip and hogweed can be confused in this group with similar flower groupings.
Rosemary's cow parsnip is another six-footer, with 10-inch leaves.
The cow parsnip also loves moist, shady areas.
The forests were a source for wild berries, walnuts, hops, cow parsnip, sorrel, mint, and common wild leeks.
The North American species Heracleum maximum (cow parsnip) is sometimes included as a subspecies of H. spondylium.
The cow parsnips (Heracleum lanatum, Heracleum maximum) are also confused in this group with similar flower groupings.
However, the cow parsnips have large, broad leaves, and an unpleasant odour.