Cow-parsnip — Chambers's Encyclopaedia

Cow-parsnip (Heracléum), a genus of Umbelliferae, of which one species (H. Sphondylium) is a common and rank wayside weed, which, however, when cut early in the season, affords a wholesome fodder to pigs and cattle. H. sibiricum, a much larger species, has been recommended for cultivation on account of the great quantity of herbage it yields very early in the season, and with other species (H. giganteum, &c.) it is also used with much effect as a decorative plant. H. lanatum is very common in North America.