Heracleum. Masterwort, Cow-parsnip. Heracleum lanatum.

Heracleum. Heracleum lanatum Michx. Masterwort. Cow-parsnip.—This is one of our largest indigenous umbelliferous plants. The root, which is the part used, bears some resemblance to that of common parsley. It has a strong disagreeable odor and a very acrid taste. Both the leaves and root excite redness and inflammation when applied to the skin. Bigelow considers the plant poisonous. It appears to be somewhat stimulant and carminative, and has been used in epilepsy. (See 16th cd., U.S. D.)

The Dispensatory of the United States of America, 1918, was edited by Joseph P. Remington, Horatio C. Wood and others.