Boleweed

/ˈboʊlˌwiːd/ noun

Definition

Any of several plant species, particularly related to parsnip or cow parsnip, with large umbrella-like seed heads.

Etymology

Compound of 'bole' (referring to the plant's swollen stem) plus 'weed' (Old English 'weod'); traditional herbalists named plants by their most distinctive feature.

Kelly Says

Boleweed contains toxic compounds that caused severe blistering in medieval herbalists—it was still used medicinally because people believed the danger was proof of its power to cure serious diseases!

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