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Is this plant a weed?

Wild Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa L.

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

More information and control options for Wild Parsnip...

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