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.