Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > Is this plant a weed? > Broadleaf Weeds > Basal > Wild Parsnip
Wild Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa L.
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Found in:
- Prairie and landscape plantings
Characteristics:
- Short-lived perennial (monocarpic perennial)
- All parts of the plant are aromatic
- Fern-like leaves grow as a basal rosette for one or more years before flowering
- Leaves arise alternately along stem
- Flowering, upright stems grow 4-5’ tall
- Each stem has multiple bunches of small, bright yellow flowers
- Taproot is deep and fleshy
Significance:
- Minnesota Invasive weed that spreads rapidly via seeds
- Plant sap from broken stems can cause blistering of the skin if skin is exposed to UV light from the sun (phytophotodermatis)
- Wear protective clothing when hand pulling
- Toxic to humans and horses
Plants that look similar:
- Tansy
- Wild Carrot
- Poison Hemlock
- Queen Ann’s Lace
