Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

Not native to Kentucky

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Kentucky.

Sap / sunlight hazard. Avoid skin and eye contact with sap. Sap exposure followed by sunlight can cause burns or dermatitis. Plant caution source

Hidden from default planting suggestions. Wildlife value and native status remain unchanged.

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

7CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including KY

Genus host records with ranges including KY · Pastinaca

Autographa precationisCommon Looper Moth
Euxoa tessellataTessellate Dart, Striped Cutworm
Mythimna unipunctaArmyworm Moth, White Speck
Ostrinia obumbratalisSmartweed Borer
Papaipema nebrisStalk Borer
Papilio polyxenesBlack Swallowtail, Celery Caterpillar, Fennel Worm, Desert Black Swallowtail, Parsnip Swallowtail
Spilosoma virginicaVirginian Tiger Moth, Yellow Woolybear Moth, Yellow Bear

—BeesSoutheastern regional records

—Specialist beesPollen specialists

—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim

Growing and identification

Growing sources and scope

Flower color · “Yellow” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Height · “2–5 feet” · Minnesota Wildflowers
Life cycle · “Biennial” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Light · “Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox
Soil · “Moist; Occasionally dry; Occasionally wet” · NC Extension Plant Toolbox

Also known as

Parsnip; Wild Parsnip