cow parsnip

noun

1. any of several tall, coarse plants of the genus Heracleum, of the parsley family, as H. sphondylium or H. lanatum, having large, flat clusters of white flowers.

cow parsnip

noun

1. any tall coarse umbelliferous plant of the genus Heracleum, such as H. sphondylium of Europe and Asia, having thick stems and flattened clusters of white or purple flowers Also calledhogweedkeck

Word History and Origins

Origin of cow parsnip¹

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

It was that which is known in some places as master-wort, but more commonly by the name of cow parsnip.

From Project Gutenberg

The Cow Parsnip is a common plant which you find all over Britain in summer and autumn.

From Project Gutenberg

You made up your mind he was a lily of the valley, and it was no good his being a cow-parsnip.

From Project Gutenberg

It feeds, in the autumn, on flowers and seeds of angelica and cow-parsnip, but the former is its chief food.

From Project Gutenberg

You made up your mind he was a lily of the valley and it was no good his being a cow-parsnip.

From Project Gutenberg