Invasive Species: Pastinaca sativa, Wild Parsnip
Wild parsnip is a biennial/perennial herb that can grow up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) in height. Leaves are alternate, compound, and branched with jagged teeth. Flowering occurs from May to June, when hundreds of yellow flowers develop. Flowers are arranged in an umbel. Fruits are dry, smooth, slightly winged, and flattened on back. Fruits each contain two seeds, which are dispersed in the fall. Wild parsnip is native to Eurasia and occurs in sunny areas with varying degrees of soil moisture. Contact with this plant can cause skin to become photosensitive; exposure to sunlight can cause severe blistering.
What are invasive species and why should we be concerned about them?
Taxonomy: Scientific and Common Names for This Species
Apiales > Apiaceae > Pastinaca sativa L.
Synonym(s): wild parship
Pastinaca sativa – USDA PLANTS Profile
Distribution Maps
Wild parsnip – The reported distribution of this invasive species across the United States (Source: Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States)
Up-to-the-minute distribution maps and why they are important
Reporting This Invasive Species
What is the best way and place to report the occurrence of an invasive species?
How to report an invasive species sighting to EDDMapS – Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
EDDMapS – Report an invasive species to EDDMapS.
Cooperative Extension Offices – Find your local Cooperative Extension office on this map provided by USDA.
How to Identify
This invasive species can be identified by looking for the characteristics described in the paragraphs that follow.
Plant
Wild parsnip is a biennial/perennial herb that can grow up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) in height.
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| Theodore Webster, USDA Agricultural Research Service, bugwood.org | Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, Ohio State University, bugwood.org |
Foliage
Leaves are alternate, compound, and branched with jagged teeth.
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| Bruce Ackley, Ohio State University, bugwood.org | Jeff Stachler, Ohio State University, bugwood.org |
Flower
Flowering occurs from May to June, when hundreds of yellow flowers develop. Flowers are arranged in an umbel.
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John Cardina, Ohio State University, bugwood.org |
Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, Ohio State University, bugwood.org |
Fruit
Fruits are dry, smooth, slightly winged, and flattened on back. Fruits each contain two seeds, which are dispersed in the fall.
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| John Cardina, Ohio State University, bugwood.org |
Bruce Ackley, Ohio State University, bugwood.org |
Native Species That Can Resemble Wild Parsnip
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
– Images at invasive.org
| bugwood.org | bugwood.org |
Additional Images for Wild Parsnip
Wild parsnip – Images at Invasive.org
Additional Information, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Control and management recommendations vary according to individual circumstances. Location, habitat, weather, and a variety of other conditions are factors that help determine the best treatment choice. To find the safest and most effective treatment for your situation, consult your state’s land-grant institution. If you will use chemicals as part of the control process, always refer to the product label.
United States Land-Grant University System – Find your land-grant university’s college of agriculture, Cooperative Extension office, or other related partner on this map provided by USDA.
Fact Sheet – Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Element Stewardship Abstract – The Nature Conservancy
Weed of the Week – USDA Forest Service