Pastinaca sativa

Species category

Flower

Common name

wild parsnip

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

MericarpMericarp:
One-half of a two-sectioned fruit known as a schizocarp (e.g. carrot).

Shape

Discoid to ellipticElliptic:
Outline of an ellipse; greatest width midway sloping to an equally pointed apex and base.
, dorsalDorsal:
Upper side or back of a seed or fruit.
is ventrally compressed.

Size

  • Length 5–7 mm
  • Width 4–5.5 mm
  • Thickness 1–1.5 mm

Color

Yellow with dark brown longitudinal blotches

Texture

Smooth

Other structures

Faint longitudinal lines present. Margin winged. Stylopodium is within margin.

Identification notes

MericarpsMericarp:
One-half of a two-sectioned fruit known as a schizocarp (e.g. carrot).
are almost round in outline and very flat in cross section. Ridges are few and weak. Strong brown longitudinal lines; oil tubes are reddish.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Included

More information

For more information, see ISMA fact sheet.

Nomenclature

Family

Apiaceae

Valid name

Pastinaca sativa L.

Synonyms

Pastinaca sativa L. var. pratensis Pers

 Pastinaca sativa.  Mericarps with faint longitudinal lines. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Pastinaca sativa. Mericarps with faint longitudinal lines. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.