Phytophotodermatitis

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L., family Apiaceae (= Umbelliferae)) plants are now large enough to be readily identified in southwest Ohio. Parsnips have been cultivated as a root crop in Europe for centuries. However, wild parsnip is a cultivated plant that’s returned to its dark side.

Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L., family Apiaceae (previously Umbelliferae)) is in full bloom in Ohio with recent hot temperatures accelerating seed development, particularly in the southern part of the state. This means it’s too late to reduce the seed bank of this highly dangerous non-native invasive weed by targeting flowering plants with herbicides.