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Wild Parsnip

Pastinaca sativa

In the Carolinas and Georgia, found in roadsides, fields. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

Sap / sunlight hazard

Not native to Louisiana. Not suggested for planting. How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 76%

Height
2–5 feet
Light
Full sun
Soil moisture
Somewhat dry to moist

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Louisiana.

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.

At a glance

Life cycle
Biennial
Bloom
June to July
Fruiting season
July to August

Not yet recorded · Spread · Leaves

Recorded in 1 Louisiana parish.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Roadsides, fields and disturbed ground

Ground opened by people: roadsides, old fields, pastures, fencerows and lots.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

5CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including LA

Genus host records with ranges including LA · Pastinaca

  • 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
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Apiaceae
Flower color
Yellow
Fruit begins
July
Fruit ends
August
Growing sources and scope
Also known as

Parsnip

Conservation status

Louisiana rankSNA
Global rankGNR
LA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Native alternatives

Find natives for your garden

Sources