Wild Parsnip

Poison Hemlock and Wild Parsnip are beginning to “bolt” in southwest Ohio. This means it’s time to apply selective or non-selective postemergent herbicides to manage these dangerous non-natives. Both belong to the carrot family Apiaceae (= Umbelliferae)) and both present serious human health risks, but in very different ways

It’s that time of year in Northwest Ohio that two toxic plants are coming into flower. Poison Hemlock and Wild Parsnip are both in full flower but are toxic in different ways.

Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) and Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) have reached developmental stages that place these weeds outside of effective management options in southwest Ohio. Wild parsnip is producing seeds while poison hemlock is in full bloom meaning seeds can still develop on plants that are cut or sprayed with an herbicide.

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.

Poison hemlock and wild parsnip are currently in a growth stage that makes them susceptible to early-season management options. Targeting these dangerous plants now will prevent flowering and seed production.

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is one of the deadliest plants in North America. Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) sap can produce severe, painful skin blistering. Both are commonly found growing together in Ohio and both are beginning to bloom meaning the clock is quickly winding down for controlling these non-native nasties.

Poison hemlock and wild parsnip are currently in a growth stage that makes them susceptible to several management options. Targeting this stage for control will prevent flowering and seed production.

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) and wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) are two of our nastiest non-native weeds found in Ohio. Poison hemlock is one of the deadliest plants in North America. Wild parsnip can produce severe, painful blistering. Both are commonly found growing together.

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L., family Apiaceae (= Umbelliferae)) plants are now large enough to be readily identified in southwest Ohio. This Eurasian native grows as a biennial in Ohio requiring two seasons to complete its life cycle.