|
Kendall County (IL) Forest Preserve District Wild Parsnip The non-native (European) Wild Parsnip is common in our area. It is an invasive that keeps trying to move into our natural areas. It prefers full or partial sun and slightly moist fertile loamy soil. Habitats include black soil prairies, savannas, weedy meadows and roadsides. This biennial is 2-5' tall, branching occasionally with angular stems. Its alternate odd-pinnate compound leaves are up to 18" long and 6" across with about 9 leaflets, each up to 3" long, 2" across, and coarsely toothed. The upper stems terminate in compound umbels of tiny yellow flowers. Each flat-topped umbel on a long stalk spans 3-8" across when fully mature and consists of 15-25 umbellets, each with 12-35 flowers about 1/8" across with 5 tiny yellow petals. Note "nasty plant" warning below.
Wild Parsnip at Jay Woods Forest Preserve June 9, 2015
Wild Parsnip at Maramech Forest Preserve July 30, 2014
Wild Parsnip foliage at Jay Woods Forest Preserve June 9, 2015
Wild Parsnip foliage at Maramech Forest Preserve July 30, 2014 (note the angular stem) Warning: Wild Parsnip is a toxic and "nasty plant". If ingested, the plant can cause digestive tract irritation, and if it comes in contact with skin, it can lead to nasty burns and blisters when combined with sun exposure. Click here for more information. Copyright © 2011-2017 by Kendall County Forest Preserve District. All Rights Reserved. |
