wild parsnip	USDA PLANTS Symbol: PASA2 U.S. Nativity: Exotic Habit: Forbs/Herbs
Pastinaca sativa L.

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Taxonomic Rank: Magnoliopsida: Apiales: Apiaceae
Synonym(s): wild parship
Native Range: Eurasia ()
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.

Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources

Fact Sheet - Pennsylvania Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources
Element Stewardship Abstract - The Nature Conservancy
Weed of the Week - USDA Forest Service

Selected Images from Invasive.org

View All Images at Invasive.org

Plant(s); Linda Haugen, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Foliage; Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Fruit(s); John Cardina, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Flower(s); flowers and immature fruit Ohio State Weed Lab Archive, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage
Seed(s); Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage	Seed(s); Bruce Ackley, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org Additional Resolutions & Image Usage

EDDMapS Distribution:
This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts and records obtained from USDA Plants Database. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org