How much sun does Prairie-parsley need?

Prairie-parsley grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Prairie-parsley bloom?

Prairie-parsley blooms in May and June.

Where is Prairie-parsley native?

Prairie-parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii) is native to AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Prairie-parsley host?

Prairie-parsley is a larval host plant for black swallowtail.

Prairie-parsley

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Polytaenia nuttallii

Last reviewed: October 2026

Prairie-parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii) is a biennial forb native to AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw bees, flies, and beetles.

Toxicity unknown

Prairie-parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

18"–36" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain

A prairie perennial in the carrot family with divided leaves and flat clusters of small yellow flowers held on upright stems in late spring. Its open, airy form fits well among grasses in a prairie-style planting.

Growing Prairie-parsley

Grow Prairie-parsley in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for black swallowtail.

The flower clusters attract a wide range of small pollinators, and the foliage is a documented host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars.

Common questions

How much sun does Prairie-parsley need?: Prairie-parsley grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Prairie-parsley bloom?: Prairie-parsley blooms in May and June.
Where is Prairie-parsley native?: Prairie-parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii) is native to AL, AR, IA, IL and 13 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Prairie-parsley host?: Prairie-parsley is a larval host plant for black swallowtail.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Prairie-parsley? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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