Species PlantsWild Parsnip

Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

CommonPlant
Illustration of Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
Safety note: Can cause skin irritation when exposed to sunlight.

Wild Parsnip is a biennial plant with yellow umbrella-shaped flower clusters. It is known for its edible root, but the sap can cause skin irritation and burns.

Habitat
Grows in fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas.
Diet
Attracts various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Wild Parsnip

The best time to see a Wild Parsnip is June–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,439 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Wild Parsnip? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Wild Parsnip sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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