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Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

Pastinaca sativa Pastinaca sativa
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Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Apiales
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Also in this family:
Alexanders, Bladder-seed, Bur Chervil, Burnet-saxifrage, Cambridge Milk Parsley, Caraway, Common Hogweed, Coriander, Corky-fruited Water Dropwort, Corn Parsley, Cow Parsley, Cowbane, Creeping Marshwort, Cumin, Edible Carrot, False Thorow-wax, Field Eryngo, Fine-leaved Water Dropwort, Fool's Parsley, Fool's Watercress, Garden Angelica, Garden Parsley, Giant Fennel, Giant Hogweed, Great Pignut, Greater Burnet-saxifrage, Greater Water Parsnip, Ground Elder, Hartwort, Hemlock, Hemlock Water Dropwort, Hog's Fennel, Honewort, Knotted Hedge Parsley, Lesser Marshwort, Lesser Water Parsnip, Longleaf, Masterwort, Milk Parsley, Moon Carrot, Parsley Water Dropwort, Pepper-saxifrage, Pignut, Pink Masterwort, River Water Dropwort, Rock Samphire, Rough Chervil, Sanicle, Scots Lovage, Sea Carrot, Sea Holly, Shepherd's Needle, Shrubby Hare's-ear, Siberian Hogweed, Slender Hare's-ear, Small Hare's-ear, Spignel, Spreading Hedge Parsley, Stone Parsley, Sulphurwort, Sweet Cicely, Thorow-wax, Tubular Water Dropwort, Upright Hedge Parsley, Whorled Caraway, Wild Angelica, Wild Carrot, Wild Celery, Wild Fennel
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Biennial
Maximum Size:
150 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Disturbed ground, fields, grassland, meadows, roadsides.

Flower:
✿
Yellow, 5 petals
 
Wild Parsnip produces flat-topped clusters (umbels) of small, yellow flowers from June to August. Each umbel contains many tiny flowers, each with five petals and a central disk. The plant belongs to the carrot family (Apiaceae), and its flower structure resembles that of other umbellifers like Cow Parsley and Hogweed. The bright yellow colour and wide flower heads attract a range of pollinating insects, especially hoverflies.
Fruit:
After flowering, Wild Parsnip develops flattened, oval-shaped fruits known as schizocarps, each about 4–6 mm across. These dry fruits split into two winged halves when mature, aiding in wind dispersal. The seeds are brownish and often persist on the plant well into autumn. While the fruits are not commonly harvested, they are an important food source for some insects and birds.
Leaves:
The leaves are pinnate and alternate, with a toothed, lobed appearance. They can be mistaken for those of other umbellifers, especially when young. Lower leaves are larger, with multiple leaflets arranged in a feather-like form, while upper leaves are smaller and more finely divided. The plant can grow up to 1.5 metres tall and has a grooved, hollow stem that is often hairy near the base.
Fragrance:
When crushed, the leaves and stems give off a strong, slightly sweet and earthy aroma, characteristic of parsnips but more pungent. The root, when unearthed, has a distinct parsnip-like smell, particularly when mature. The flowers themselves have only a faint scent, but the overall plant emits a green, herbaceous odour when handled.
Other Names:
Bird's-nest, Common Parsnip, Field Parsnip, Hart's-eye, Poison Parsnip.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen  

Other Information

Summary

Pastinaca sativa, also known as wild parsnip, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the family Apiaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but has also been introduced to other parts of the world. The plant is known for its large, yellow flowers and its thick, edible root, which is similar in taste and texture to a domestic parsnip. It is typically found in fields, along roadsides, and in other disturbed areas. Wild parsnip can cause skin irritation and even blisters upon contact with the skin, due to the presence of a chemical called psoralen.

Blog

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a common plant found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is closely related to parsley, fennel, and carrots. Despite its many beneficial uses, wild parsnip is also known to cause harm to humans and animals due to its toxic sap.

Appearance and Habitat

Wild parsnip is a biennial or perennial plant that grows up to five feet tall. Its stem is grooved, hollow, and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are pinnate and can grow up to one foot long. The flowers are small and yellow, and they bloom from June to August. The plant grows in fields, meadows, along roadsides, and in other open areas.

Uses

Wild parsnip has been used for centuries as a food source and medicine. The root of the plant is edible and is often used as a substitute for carrots. The leaves and seeds of the plant have also been used to flavor dishes and beverages. In traditional medicine, wild parsnip was used to treat various ailments, including indigestion, arthritis, and kidney problems.

Hazards

While wild parsnip has many beneficial uses, it is also known to cause harm. The plant contains a toxic sap that can cause severe skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. The sap contains chemicals called furocoumarins, which can cause a condition called phytophotodermatitis. This condition causes the skin to become red, swollen, and blistered when exposed to sunlight. The condition can last for several weeks and can be very painful.

Precautions

To avoid the harmful effects of wild parsnip, it is important to take precautions when handling the plant. If you come into contact with the sap, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and avoid exposure to sunlight for at least 48 hours. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and gloves, when handling the plant. It is also important to be aware of the plant's location and to avoid coming into contact with it if possible.

In conclusion, wild parsnip is a versatile plant that has many beneficial uses. However, it is important to be aware of the plant's potential hazards and to take precautions when handling it. By following these precautions, you can safely enjoy the many benefits that wild parsnip has to offer.

Another Blog

Wild Parsnip: A Versatile Plant with Potential Hazards

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and has been introduced to North America, where it is now common in fields, meadows, along roadsides, and in other open areas.

Appearance and Habitat

Wild parsnip has a grooved, hollow stem that can grow up to five feet tall. Its leaves are pinnate and can grow up to one foot long. The plant produces small, yellow flowers that bloom from June to August. Wild parsnip grows in a variety of habitats, including fields, meadows, along roadsides, and in other open areas.

Uses

Wild parsnip has been used for centuries as a food source and medicine. The root of the plant is edible and is often used as a substitute for carrots. The leaves and seeds of the plant have also been used to flavor dishes and beverages. In traditional medicine, wild parsnip was used to treat various ailments, including indigestion, arthritis, and kidney problems.

Potential Hazards

Despite its many beneficial uses, wild parsnip is known to cause harm to humans and animals due to its toxic sap. The plant contains a toxic sap that can cause severe skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. The sap contains chemicals called furocoumarins, which can cause a condition called phytophotodermatitis. This condition causes the skin to become red, swollen, and blistered when exposed to sunlight. The condition can last for several weeks and can be very painful.

Precautions

To avoid the harmful effects of wild parsnip, it is important to take precautions when handling the plant. If you come into contact with the sap, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and avoid exposure to sunlight for at least 48 hours. Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and gloves, when handling the plant. It is also important to be aware of the plant's location and to avoid coming into contact with it if possible.

Control Measures

Wild parsnip can be difficult to control because of its deep taproot, which makes it difficult to remove by hand. Chemical control methods, such as herbicides, may be necessary to control large infestations of the plant. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using herbicides and to use them only as directed.

Environmental Impact

Wild parsnip can have a negative impact on the environment. It is considered an invasive species in North America and can outcompete native plants for resources. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity and can have negative effects on the ecosystem.

Conclusion

Wild parsnip is a versatile plant that has many beneficial uses. However, it is important to be aware of the plant's potential hazards and to take precautions when handling it. By following these precautions and control measures, you can safely enjoy the many benefits that wild parsnip has to offer. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of the potential environmental impact of the plant and take steps to control its spread in order to protect native plant species and the ecosystem.

Facts

Here are 20 facts about Wild Parsnip:

  1. Wild parsnip is a biennial or perennial plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family.
  2. The plant is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced to North America.
  3. The plant can grow up to five feet tall with pinnate leaves up to one foot long.
  4. The small yellow flowers of wild parsnip bloom from June to August.
  5. Wild parsnip has been used as a food source and medicine for centuries.
  6. The root of the plant is edible and is often used as a substitute for carrots.
  7. The leaves and seeds of the plant have also been used to flavor dishes and beverages.
  8. In traditional medicine, wild parsnip was used to treat various ailments, including indigestion, arthritis, and kidney problems.
  9. The plant contains a toxic sap that can cause severe skin reactions when exposed to sunlight.
  10. The sap contains chemicals called furocoumarins, which can cause a condition called phytophotodermatitis.
  11. Phytophotodermatitis causes the skin to become red, swollen, and blistered when exposed to sunlight.
  12. The condition can last for several weeks and can be very painful.
  13. It is important to take precautions when handling wild parsnip, including wearing protective clothing.
  14. Wild parsnip can be difficult to control because of its deep taproot.
  15. Chemical control methods, such as herbicides, may be necessary to control large infestations of the plant.
  16. Wild parsnip is considered an invasive species in North America and can outcompete native plants for resources.
  17. This can lead to a decrease in biodiversity and can have negative effects on the ecosystem.
  18. Wild parsnip is a host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly.
  19. The plant's scientific name, Pastinaca sativa, is derived from the Latin words pastinum, meaning "two-pronged fork," and sativa, meaning "cultivated."
  20. The plant has a long history of cultivation, with evidence of its use dating back to ancient Rome.

Video

Wild Parsnip filmed in 3 different locations:
  • Formby, Lancashire: 4th June 2023
  • Marshlands, Southport: 4th June 2023
  • Worcester: 23rd June 2023
 

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Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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