Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa L.

Apiaceae (Carrot Family)

▲ seedling

▲ ▼ first year rosettes

▲ ▼ flowers

▲ stem

▲ ▼ mature flowering plants

▲ ▼ fruiting heads

Pastinaca sativa L.; Wild Parsnip: (Bayer Code: PAVSA; US Code PASA2)

Herbaceous biennial in the Carrot Family (Apiacaeae) native to Eurasia with rosette of pinnately divided leaves during first year (similar to water hemlock)
Inflorescence similar in structure to water hemlock, but flowers are yellow
Stems are greenish, grooved (like wild carrot), not spotted or purplish
Leaves may cause skin rash or sensitivity to light in sensitive individuals
Found in moist, high-fertility soils in pastures, roadsides, streambanks, non-crop areas
Foliage can cause photosensitivity if consumed, and some find it to be a contact allergen

(Updated January 15, 2019)