Wildflowers of Ainsworth: Cow Parsnip

This blooming plant, about four feet tall, was growing next to the intersection of Ainsworth and Country Club Roads (aka Spencer Street), on Deep River County Park property.


(Click on images to enlarge)

Per Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: "Very broad (4-8" wide) cluster of white flowers. The petals are indented at the tip, and the outer petals are apt to be larger and deeply cleft."



"Base of leaves enlarged into a clasping sheath. … Stem woolly."



It doesn't say anything about those slender little salmon-colored bugs that seem to be very fond of the flowers.



Cow parsnip can cause a nasty rash — like wild parsnip.