Purple meadow-parsnip
Thaspium trifoliatum
Last reviewed: November 2026
Purple meadow-parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 19 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw small native bees, flies, wasps, and beetles. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Purple meadow-parsnip, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
Purple meadow-parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum) 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
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 19 more states
Pollinators
small native bees, flies, wasps, 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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A clumping perennial in the carrot family, with compound three-part leaves and flat-topped clusters of small flowers held above the foliage in mid to late spring. It grows at woodland edges, in open meadows, and along the transition between shade and sun, adding early-season structure before summer bloomers take over.
Growing Purple meadow-parsnip
Grow Purple meadow-parsnip in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Purple meadow-parsnip is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: border planting, woodland garden edge, mixed perennial bed.
- can look a bit loose or weedy once seed heads form if not deadheaded
Wildlife value
Host plant for black swallowtail.
The flat, open flower clusters give small native bees, flies, and other pollinating insects an easy place to land and feed early in the season, when few other blooms are available. The foliage also serves as a host plant for black swallowtail caterpillars, sharing that relationship with other carrot-family plants like dill and parsley.
Common questions
- How much sun does Purple meadow-parsnip need?
- Purple meadow-parsnip grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Purple meadow-parsnip bloom?
- Purple meadow-parsnip blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Purple meadow-parsnip native?
- Purple meadow-parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What butterflies or moths does Purple meadow-parsnip host?
- Purple meadow-parsnip is a larval host plant for black swallowtail.
- Is Purple meadow-parsnip HOA-friendly?
- Purple meadow-parsnip is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Purple meadow-parsnip? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.