Wild Parsnip
Pastinaca sativa
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Pollinators
bees, beetles, wasps, flies
Native alternatives to Wild Parsnip
Wild Parsnip is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaWild parsnip is a tall biennial herb that produces clusters of small yellow flowers in summer. This plant can cause severe skin burns when touched, making it unsuitable for most residential landscapes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Wild Parsnip takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Causes severe skin burns and blistering when touched
- Tall weedy appearance
- Safety liability for neighborhoods
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, wasps, and flies during its summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Wild Parsnip need?
- Wild Parsnip grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Wild Parsnip bloom?
- Wild Parsnip blooms in June, July, and August.
- What pollinators does Wild Parsnip attract?
- Wild Parsnip draws bees, beetles, wasps, and flies.
- Is Wild Parsnip HOA-friendly?
- Wild Parsnip takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Wild Parsnip? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz