Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

Pastinaca sativa is a biennial herb with a taproot, known for its edible root and yellow flowers. It can become an invasive weed.

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile loam or sandy soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but avoids heavy clay.

Temperature

Grows best in cool to moderate temperatures.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Benefits from fertile soil and occasional feeding.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Adequate sunlight promotes better growth and flowering.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Water more frequently during dry spells.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile loam or sandy soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but avoids heavy clay.

Temperature

Grows best in cool to moderate temperatures.

Ideal range is 15-20 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Benefits from fertile soil and occasional feeding.

Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if needed.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Vegetable

Plant Place Type

Ground

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Biennials

Plant Height

0.6-1.5 m

Spread

0.3-0.6 m

Growth Rate

Moderate

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf Type

Compound

Flower Size

1-2 cm

Weed Status

Yes

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JulPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · JunPeak fruit · Aug

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Elaphoboscum sativum (L.) Tabern. ex Rupr.

Peucedanum sativum (L.) Benth.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderApiales
familyApiaceae
genusPastinaca
speciesPastinaca sativa

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 5/5

Toxic for pets

Rating: 0/5

Edible

Yes

Contact dermatitis from sap, which causes phytophotodermatitis when exposed to sunlight.

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.

Remove flower stalks after blooming to prevent self-seeding, especially if the plant is considered a weed. Cut back dead foliage in late autumn.

Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or autumn. Can also be propagated by root cuttings, though this is less common.

Not typically grown in pots. If necessary, repot young plants in early spring, handling the taproot carefully to avoid damage.

FAQs

Is wild parsnip poisonous?

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) itself is not poisonous to eat, but its sap can cause severe skin irritation and blistering when exposed to sunlight, a condition known as phytophotodermatitis.

How do I get rid of wild parsnip?

Control methods include manual removal of young plants, digging out the taproot, or using herbicides. Repeated mowing before flowering can also weaken established plants.

What is the difference between wild parsnip and cultivated parsnip?

Wild parsnip is the wild ancestor or a feral form of cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). While the root is edible, wild parsnip is often tougher and more fibrous, and its sap is more irritating.

When should I harvest parsnips?

Parsnips are typically harvested in autumn after the first frost, which sweetens the roots. They can also be harvested in spring before new growth begins.

Why is my parsnip plant flowering in the first year?

Flowering in the first year, known as bolting, can be triggered by stress such as cold temperatures during early growth or inconsistent watering, especially in cultivated varieties.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Adequate sunlight promotes better growth and flowering.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Water more frequently during dry spells.

Soil

Prefers well-drained, fertile loam or sandy soil. Tolerates a range of soil types but avoids heavy clay.

Temperature

Grows best in cool to moderate temperatures.

Ideal range is 15-20 °C.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Benefits from fertile soil and occasional feeding.

Apply balanced fertilizer in spring if needed.

Additional Care Tips

Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in cooler months.

Remove flower stalks after blooming to prevent self-seeding, especially if the plant is considered a weed. Cut back dead foliage in late autumn.

Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or autumn. Can also be propagated by root cuttings, though this is less common.

Not typically grown in pots. If necessary, repot young plants in early spring, handling the taproot carefully to avoid damage.

FAQs