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Cow parsnip? #712890

Asked August 13, 2020, 12:48 PM EDT

I have what I think is a cow parsnip in my yard, which is bad enough, but want to make sure it isn't giant hog weed I have photos.

Calhoun County Michigan

Expert Response

Yes, would you please attach a photo of the whole plant, and one close up of leaves, and one of any flowers, berries or seed pods present? 
Protect you skin just in case the plant can irritate skin.
To get a clear picture, you may place a plain sheet of paper or cardboard behind a branch, then take the picture.
Thank you.
Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 13, 2020, 2:01 PM EDT
The tall one is too high to get a close up of the flowers but they dont appear to be umbrella shaped. There is purple coloring on the stem.
The Question Asker Replied August 13, 2020, 4:59 PM EDT
Were you able to see my photos?
The Question Asker Replied August 14, 2020, 8:39 PM EDT

Hello,

Thank you for the pictures. Your picture of the flowers came out quite cloudy, and I can’t see what color they were.

This is some type of wild lettuce, perhaps tall lettuce, Lactuca canadensis , ( which has yellow flowers) , or perhaps prickly lettuce, Lactuca serriola ( which has small prickles on the leaves, lower stems).

Some people are sensitive to the milky sap in the stems so, where gloves and long sleeves when removing it.

Here are references-

https://extension.umass.edu/landscape/weeds/lactuca-canadensis

https://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/single_weed.php?id=63

Here is a nice comparison chart for cow parsnip, so you can see the differences

https://www.inhs.illinois.edu/files/8314/9848/6126/Hogweed_and_Lookalikes_2017.pdf

 

Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 15, 2020, 9:00 AM EDT
They are white. Thank you for the help. You guys do good work. I will get my protective gear and have at it.
The Question Asker Replied August 18, 2020, 11:24 AM EDT
So glad to help. 
Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied August 18, 2020, 11:59 AM EDT

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