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wild parsnip
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1 — Obs.
a wild plant, Heracleum lanatum.
See: cow parsnip
Quotations
1793
Sir Alexander Mackenzie . . . frequently alludes to this plant under the name of "Wild Parsnip". . . . "The Wild Parsnip, which luxuriates on the borders of the lakes and rivers, is a favourite food of the natives."
2
the poisonous water hemlock, Cicuta maculata.
Quotations
1829
On Saturday, John . . . died from the effects of eating a poisonous root called the wild parsnip.
1884
Fifteen children of the Blackfeet were poisoned by eating wild parsnips and four of them died from the effects of the same.
1932
Frequently the poison is described further as being "wild-parsnip," "cowbane," "water parsnip," "wild carrot," or "wild parsley."