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Cow parsnip flowers are present in 6-8" wide, flat umbels (like Queen Anne's lace) that arise from the central stem or from leaf axils. Beneath each flower cluster are four or more needle-like, fuzzy green bracts; the bracts fall off after the fruit begins to form. Individual flowers are 1/4" across with five white petals that are notched at their tips; in flowers on the edge of an umbel, one petal is visibly larger than the other four. A somewhat lumpy, cream-colored, hairy ovary occupies the center of the flower from which arise two short styles; five stamens with pale yellow anthers arc laterally from under the ovary. Each fruit is heart-shaped, flattened, and contains two seeds.

Heracleum

Heracleum sphondylium

cow parsnip [Blooms: May/Jun-?]