Wild Parsnip Management

written by Elaina Burns, Environmental Stewardship Manager, Finger Lakes Region

Wild parsnip growing in mowed area along School Road and Boughton Hill.

This month the Environmental Stewardship Team took on a particularly problematic invasive species found at Ganondagan State Historic Site. Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is an invasive herb that thrives in full sun and grows along roadsides, fields, and fence rows. The plant grows 2-5’ with small, five-petaled, yellow flowers that bloom June through August. Wild parsnip sap contains toxins designed to protect the plant from herbivory. If the sap from the stem or foliage comes into contact with the skin, it can cause skin irritation and blistering. Members of the Environmental Stewardship Team recently mapped known infestations along School Road and the Great Oak Trail. After careful environmental review, the team mowed infestations in late June. Mowing while the plant is in flower and before the plant goes to seed is an effective management tool for larger infestations.  

Recently mowed area along School Road and Boughton Hill with Wild parsnip infestation.