Wild Parsnips
July 15, 2001

Because of its harmful characteristics and concern over its increased spreading over the countryside, wild parsnip has been in the news recently.

Parsnips, botanically, both the wild parsnip and the garden variety are the same plant known as Pastinaca sativa, members of the parsley family (Umbellifereae).

"Pastus" means food. Since the time of the Romans the plant has been cultivated for the sake of its long, whitish root prized as a garden vegetable. Given an opportunity to go "wild", however, the same plant has acquired undesirable characteristics.

records of wild parsnip in Wisconsin go back over one hundred ears. The plant has become a weed along roadsides and abandoned fields. Like many other introduced plants it is very aggressive and spreads rapidly. It doesn't like shade.

Extensive information is available on the internet through a DNR website. "Wild parsnip is one of a few, unique plants that cause phyto-photo-dermatitis. What this means is that chemicals in the juices of this plant with the help of ultraviolet light can burn your skin. These chemicals are found in the green leaves, stems and fruits of wild parsnip" If the plant juices come in contact with skin in the presence of sunlight, a rash or blistering can occur. Those who have been affected say that the juice feels like drops of battery acid.

Further information tells that first exposure causes a redness within 24 hours and blisters for several days. this may result in reddish or brown areas that may be noticeable for months or years. Only areas that have been exposed to the sun are affected.

How do you know the plant? The best thing is to get a book that has a good description. It looks similar to Queen Anne's lace if one is familiar with that common roadside weed, except that it has a large, flat clusters of yellowish flowers. Avoid picking them for bouquets! The seeds are large and may be listed as something for a dried flower arrangement. Forget it.

As the roots of the garden variety are considered tasty, what about the wild parsnip? research disclosed that there is a difference of opinion. Encyclopedia Britannica, 1929 edition: "The wild form with a tough, pungent somewhat poisonous root...". A 1916 edition of a weed book put out by Cornell University states under "wild parsnip", "it's thick, white, fleshy root is no longer a food but a poison, even after it has been cooked---a fact which is every year demonstrated by several deaths". A recent DNR publication states: "the plant has a long, thick tap root which is edible". Is it worth trying?

Note that the older publications do not mention its harmfulness to the skin. Are there genetic changes?

Suggestion: Learn to know the plant, avoid it, and help to keep it from spreading.