By Emily Hanson, University of Minnesota Extension
In the 1990s, the non-native plant, Wild Parsnip was first discovered in Minnesota and landed itself on the Minnesota Noxious Weed List due to its aggressive spread and physical harm to humans. Correctly identifying wild parsnip is key to controlling and reporting it to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.
Wild Parsnip usually finds its habitat on roadsides and abandoned fields or lots. It usually grows in dry soil with full to partial sun needed.
Wild Parsnip is commonly confused with two Minnesota natives: Golden alexanders and Goldenrods.
Golden alexanders reach one to two feet tall and have smooth shiny stems that produce compound basal leaves. The flower contains compound umbels of numerous 5-parted, yellow flowers.
Goldenrods have tansy foliage that is pinnately divided and the flowers have ray petals surrounding central, disk-like florets.
There are some key differences in correctly identifying Wild Parsnip. The noxious weed has a grooved stalk that can reach up to five feet. The basal leaves are pinnately compound with five to 15 leaflets with the base of the leaf stalk wrapping around the grooved stem. Wild Parsnip has 12-35, five-petaled, small yellow flowers. The yellow petals remain tightly curled against the side of the flowers. Comparing the two lookalikes with these characteristics of Wild Parsnip will determine if a report needs to be made.
Due to the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law, efforts must be made to prevent seed maturation and the spread of Wild Parsnip. There is no transportation, propagation, or sale of these plants allowed.
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