Scientific Family
Apiaceae
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Biennial or perennial
Height
3 to 4 feet
Riparian
Yes
Tall stout plant with thick, cream-colored taproots.
Thick taproots; strongly flattened, ovate fruit without wings; pinnately compound large, sharply toothed leaflets; no flower bracts; axillary and terminal flower clusters distinguish this from other genus. Only species in this genus.
Habitat
Parsnip prefers full to partial sun, moist conditions and fertile soil.
Plant Community
Riparian
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
7200
Flower Characteristics
The flower stalk develops in the second year with 5 yellow petals that initially curl inward. Each flower produces 1 seed.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
May
Last bloom month
June
Flower clusters
Rounded
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Stem is conspicuously angled and grooved. Leaves are deeply lobed with toothed margins.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Green
Leaf shape
Palmate
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Fruit can be round to oblong.
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit color
Light brown
Seeds are flat and winged.