Wild Parsnip
Management Prioritization
Identification
Common Name: Wild Parsnip
Scientific Name: Pastinaca sativa L.
Legal Status: Prohibited - Control
Efforts must be made to prevent seed maturation and dispersal of plants into new areas. Additionally, no transportation, propagation, or sale of these plants is allowed. Failure to comply may result in enforcement action by the county or local municipality. Minnesota Noxious Weed Law.
Background
Wild parsnip is native to Europe and Asia. It was brought to North America by European settlers and grown as a root vegetable. Over time, it escaped from cultivation, and is now common throughout the US.
Leaf
Leaves alternate along the stem, are pinnately compound, and consist of egg-shaped leaflets having saw-toothed edges that are arranged in pairs along the stalk; becoming progressively smaller near the top of the stem.
Wild parsnip leaf
Stem
Bolted stems are erect, branched, hollow, slightly grooved, and terminate in flat-topped, compound flower umbels.
Wild parsnip grooved stem
Flower and Umbel
Umbels are generally 2- 6 inches wide and contain many small, 5- petaled yellow flowers that bloom from June through late August.
Wild parsnip umbel
Close up of wild parsnip flower
Seed
Seeds are small, broad, oval, slightly ribbed, and are produced in the umbels several weeks after flowering. The plant dies after setting seed.
Wild parsnip immature seed on umbel
Seedling and Rosette
An aggressive, monocarpic perennial plant that germinates from seed, spends the first year or more as a rosette, eventually bolts into a mature plant in the second year or later, flowers, sets seed, and dies.
Wild parsnip seedling
Wild parsnip rosette
Taproot
Forms a long thick taproot that is similar in appearance and smell to cultivated parsnips.
Wild parsnip taproots
Distribution
Current Distribution Model
- Point data collected from EDDMapS; not all locations in the state have been recorded, but points on distribution map have been reported and verified.
- Distribution model takes location data and environmental factors into account to create a prediction of current distribution
Management Prioritization
Influenced by:
- distribution models
- actual reports
- economic benefits
- land cover
- conservation features
- trails
High priority areas surround areas of high density to prevent further large infestations and loss of biodiversity.
Infestation Examples
01 / 03
1
General Infested Area
Infestation along roadside near Rochester, MN
Population in the midst of other populations
Management here is involved.
2
Leading Edge
sparse populations in the transition from 'infestated' areas to un-infested areas
Management is involved but can prevent further spread or large establishment of stands.
3
Isolated Population
Location far from other known populations.
Management here is efficient and cost effective.
Lifecycle: Treatment timing
Treatment timing lifecycle for wild parsnip
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR). The Trust Fund is a permanent fund constitutionally established by the citizens of Minnesota to assist in the protection, conservation, preservation, and enhancement of the state’s air, water, land, fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Currently 40% of net Minnesota State Lottery proceeds are dedicated to growing the Trust Fund and ensuring future benefits for Minnesota’s environment and natural resources.
