Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 09:00, 2 October 2006 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Herbaceous plant
Cowbane: when and how to prune
Cicuta virosa
Cowbane is best pruned in March.
| Pruning months | March |
|---|---|
| Flowering | July–August |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Cowbane: when to prune it?
In March: only then cut away the dead stems, so that they give insects shelter in winter.
What else to prune in those months? March
Cowbane: how to prune it?
- Cut the old stems just above the water, always wearing gloves.
- If you do not want seedlings, cut off the umbels in August, before the fruits ripen.
- Do not leave plant remains in the pond or in a field.
- After the work, wash your hands and your secateurs.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- If you only cut back in March, the old stems stand through the winter: insects overwinter in them and birds eat the seeds.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: During maintenance, never dig into the rootstock without gloves: it is the most poisonous part of the plant.
Nearby: related pruning guides
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.