wild parsnip
ExplorePlants
wild parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
Wild parsnip is a tall plant with bright yellow flowers that bloom in the summer. It grows in fields and along roadsides, and its leaves look like big green hands reaching out.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The wild parsnip is a tall plant with sturdy, grooved stems that can sometimes have reddish-purple patches. It has clusters of small, five-petaled yellow flowers arranged in flat-topped, umbrella-like formations. Its compound leaves have saw-toothed edges, making it distinct from the white flowers of similar plants like Queen Anne's Lace.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderApialesFamilyApiaceaeGenusPastinaca
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its wild ancestor is the very same plant species as the parsnips you can eat!
Some specialized insects, like the parsnip webworm, can munch on it without getting sick!
The cooked root of a wild parsnip tastes sweet, like a mix of carrot and potato!
The plant was brought from Europe to North America by early European settlers centuries ago.
Special abilities
Ability
Light Activated Defense
Wild parsnip has sap that reacts with sunlight, causing skin irritation to protect itself from predators.
Ability
Rooty Reservoir
Wild parsnip has a long, thick taproot that stores energy, helping it survive and regrow.
Ability
Seed Spreader
Wild parsnip produces thousands of lightweight seeds that can travel far on the wind to find new homes.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 50-150 cm
- Spread
- 30-60 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.2-0.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- High
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Bees collect nectar and pollen from its flowers.
pollinates
Common Wasp
Vespula vulgaris
Wasps visit the flowers to feed on nectar.
eats
Parsnip Webworm
Depressaria pastinacella
Larvae feed on its flowers and developing seeds.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Biennial
Biennial plants complete their life cycle over two growing seasons, typically forming foliage in the first year and flowering/seeding in the second.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Toxic
Toxic organisms contain substances that are poisonous and can cause adverse effects upon exposure.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Avoid touching wild parsnip, as its sap can cause skin irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is wild parsnip?
50-150 cm
How wide does wild parsnip spread?
30-60 cm
How big are the flowers on wild parsnip?
0.2-0.5 cm
When does wild parsnip bloom?
Summer
Is wild parsnip edible?
Yes
Is wild parsnip toxic?
High
What is wild parsnip's lifecycle?
Biennial
How is wild parsnip pollinated?
Insect
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