 In terms of taste, texture, and nutrients, the peeled stalks resembled celery, which gives rise to the common name "Indian celery".The native peoples were well aware of the toxic effects of cow parsnip.They knew that if the outer skin were not removed, one would get an “itchy mouth.” Pregnant women were warned not to eat the flower bud stalks, otherwise their newborn baby might lose its breath when it cried and choke.