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Heracleum - C.Norman.

Common Name
Family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, many members of this genus contain furanocoumarins. These have carcinogenic, mutagenic and phototoxic properties[200]. Skin contact with the sap of some members of this genus is said to cause photo-sensitivity and/or dermatitis in some people[218].
Habitats Open slopes, pastures and meadows, also in open shrubby areas, in the lower subalpine to lower alpine zones.
Range E. Asia - Himalayas in central and western Nepal.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full shade Semi-shade Full sun
Heracleum


Heracleum

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 
Heracleum is a PERENNIAL. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The root is used in Tibetan medicine, where it is considered to have a bitter and acrid taste with a neutral potency[241]. Analgesic, anthelmintic and anti-inflammatory, it is used in the treatment of contagious diseases, swelling/pain in the joints and arthritis[241]. It is also used in the treatment of all types of pain, toothache and the inability to micturate or defecate[241].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in much of Britain. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any ordinary garden soil, doing best in moist soils or deep woodland[1].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow mid to late spring or early autumn in situ. Division in autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

Coming Soon

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Heracleum lallii Perennial0.0 -  LMHFSNM02 
Heracleum moellendorfii Perennial1.0 -  LMHFSNM10 
Heracleum pubescensDowny Cow-ParsnipBiennial/Perennial0.8 -  LMHFSNM20 
Heracleum sphondyliumCow Parsnip, EltrotBiennial/Perennial1.8 4-8  LMHFSNM322
Heracleum sphondylium montanumCow ParsnipPerennial2.4 4-8  LMHFSNM322
Heracleum sphondylium sibiricum Biennial1.8 -  LMHFSNM32 
Heracleum tuberosum Perennial0.0 -  LMHFSNM20 
Heracleum wallichii Perennial0.6 -  LMHFSNM01 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

C.Norman.

Botanical References

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

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Subject : Heracleum  
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