Overview

Heracleum maximum is a bushy annual biennial in the genus Heracleum, part of the Apiaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Heracleum maximum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and wildflower meadow.

About

Heracleum maximum, commonly known as American cow parsnip or American masterwort, is a bushy, semi-evergreen herbaceous plant within the Apiaceae family. As a member of the Heracleum genus, which includes species such as giant hogweed and cow parsley, it thrives in fertile, well-drained loam soil with neutral pH and moist conditions. This hardy plant (H7) prefers full sun to partial shade and can be grown in exposed positions facing any direction. It is suitable for wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows, with interest during spring and summer. Propagation is by seed or division.

About the genus

Heracleum is a genus of biennial and perennial herbs in the carrot family Apiaceae. They are found throughout the temperate northern hemisphere and in high mountains as far south as Ethiopia. Common names for the genus or its species include hogweed and cow parsnip.

Wikipedia contributors, "Heracleum (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Heracleum (plant)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Heracleum

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Heracleum maximum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Suggested uses

Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Heracleum maximum

Propagation

Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions