Purple meadow-parsnip
Thaspium trifoliatum
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 431 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaA 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.
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.
Ready to grow Purple meadow-parsnip? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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