Standard English Name(s): cow-parsnip
Local English Name(s) (if different from above):
Scientific Name(s): Heracleum lanatum Michx.
Upriver Halkomelem Name(s): saqw’ (plant), ya:lu (edible part)
Downriver Halkomelem Name(s): sa:qw’ (plant), ya:la’ (edible part)
Island Halkomelem Name(s): sa:qw’ (plant), ya:la’ (edible part)

Description, Habitat, Ecology, & Distribution:
     Cow-parsnip is a large, herbaceous plant that produces large clusters of white flowers followed by small, flat seed-like fruits. It grows along streambanks, moist slopes, and clearings as well as a variety of other habitats from sea level to subalpine elevations. It is common throughout the entire coastal area of the province.

Upriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The young sprouts were peeled and eaten in April and May. The root is used for an unspecified medicine.

Downriver Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):

Island Halkomelem Cultural Role(s):
     The hollow stems and solid leaf stalks of this plant are edible, once peeled to remove the skin. The term sa:q'w seems to refer to the entire plant of cow-parsnip.

CAUTION: This species may be harmful. This plant is phototoxic. Contact with this plant can cause the skin to be hypersensitive to sunlight, with dermatitis (skin irritation) resulting after exposure to these plants and sunlight.