Flower ID: IMG_6733.JPG-06-20-2023 Flower name (scientific): Heracleum maximum W. Bartram PY: 1791. Pronunciation guide: (phonetic spelling) her-ah-KLEE-um (or huh-RAK-lee-um) MAKS-ih-mum (or MAX-im-um) Flower name (common): Cow Parsnip Family name (common): Carrot Family name (scientific): Apiaceae Scientific name origin: Genus: Named to honor Hercules (Heracles) hero of Greek mythology. Possibly in reference to the large size of the plants of some members of the genus. A second idea is suggested on Michael L. Charters' website, that Linneaus may have based the genus name on Heraclides, son of Hippocrates. This comes from an entry on p. 103 of Hortus Cliffortianus, published by Linnaeus in 1737. Specific epithet: Meaning largest, referrencing the size of the plant. Common name origin: Flower description: Size: 0.2 to 0.3 inches (5 to 8 mm) Petal count: 5 Color: white Other: flower arrangement, Cluster-flat Plant description: Size: 36 to 120 inches ( 91 to 305 cm) Stem hairy: Other: Leaf description: attachment is alternate, type is compound Size: Color: Hairy: Other: Shape: leaf, broadly ovate to circular in outline (MP), ternately compound, leaflets ovate or orbicular in outline (IL) Origin (native, introduced, invasive): Native Status (common, uncommon, threatened, rare): Common Bloom time (typical): June to July Cycle (annual, biennial, perennial): Perennial Habitat: Woodlands, meadows, fields, streambanks, disturbed sites, moist, partial sun to sun. Fruit: Seed: Importance to wildlife: Similar species (if any): No close lookalikes. The European species Heracleum sphondylium is very similar, but this is apparently only found (so far) in Newfoundland in North America. Ethnobotany: The Menominee used this plant as a charm while hunting deer (Smith, pp. 81-82, 1923). The Meskwaki utilized the root to treat colic or stomach cramps. Other parts of the plant were used to treat head pain and heal wounds. They also used the roots as a potato like food source (Smith, pp. 249, 265, 1928). The Ojibwe employ the roots to prepare a poultice and use it to treat sores and they also use the plant as a hunting aid (Smith, pp. 390, 432, 1932). Smith uses the old name Heracleum lanatum for the plant in these two references. Latitude: 44.812883 Longitude: -91.502615 Altitude: 244.40 Distribution: In Wisconsin: (Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Calumet, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dane, Door, Douglas, Eau Claire, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Kenosha, Kewaunee, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Menominee, Milwaukee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Pepin, Polk, Portage, Price, Racine, Richland, Rock, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Winnebago, Wood) Click here for distribution map In US: (AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY) Click here for distribution map In Canada: (AB, BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, PE, QC, SK, YT) Click here for distribution map References: Synonym(s): Basionym: na Homotypic Synonym(s): Heterotypic Synonym(s): Autonym: na Wetland Status (NC): FACW Wetland Status (MW): FACW