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#TurfKiller - Wild Parsnips

Jun 18, 2020

#TurfKiller - Wild Parsnips

Jun 18, 2020
wild parsnip in back yard
DESCRIPTION
Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is a biennial/perennial weed. When left unmanaged,  it can reach 4 to 6 feet tall. The plant bears clusters of large flowers called umbels that spout from a hallowed and grooved thick stem. The umbels are typically 2-6 inches wide and contain many small, 5-petaled yellow-green flowers that bloom from June to late August. The rosette leaves alternate along the stem, are pinnately compound, and are distinct by egg-shaped leaflets with saw-tooth edges that are arranged in pairs along the stalk. These leaves get increasingly smaller near the top of the stem. 

This weed is considered a biennial/perennial weed since it forms a rosette of basal leaves the first year, lives through winter, and then flowers the second year. Occasionally remaining in that rosette stage for more than a year like a perennial.

This plant will form a long thick taproot that is similar in appearance and smell to cultivated parsnips, hence the name. The roots are commonly smooth and cylindrical, but sometimes lateral roots will grow out from central taproot. Wild Parsnip can be confused with other similar-looking species like Golden alexander (Zizia aurea; native) or Prairie parsley (Polytaenia nuttallii; native). 

Wild Parsnip’s method of spreading is through distributing seeds. it’s seeds’ can remain viable for several years. If this highly invasive weed is ignored, it can spread rapidly and develop into large monocultures that replace native animal and plant habitat entirely.

DAMAGE

Even well-established turf can be invaded-by-proxy as this weed can become established in landscapes or along wooded lots and distribute seeds in turfgrass areas. Once that infestation begins, it can form dense weeds in turf, fairways, fields or meadows and be very difficult to control without extensive mechanical or chemical control and appropriate PPE equipment to prevent injury from contact with plant.


Human health can also be impacted as this plant produces a compound in its leaves that when contacted with human skin in presence of sunlight will cause a rash that often leads to blisters and discoloration of the skin, known as phytophotodermatitus. If sap comes in contact with skin, avoid exposure to sunlight and immediately wash skin with soap and water. Seek medical attention, if required.

MANAGEMENT

Wild parsnip is found in open places with reduced shade. Eliminating the seed production is going to be key in controlling the Wild Parsnip. Despite it being very labor-intensive, mechanical removal can be an effective control method, but only with appropriate PPE to prevent contact damage to skin or eyes.


If mechanical control is preferred, please take note that Wild Parsnip does not flower all at once, the affected area must be monitored closely for several weeks to prevent seed distribution. Mowing or cutting stands before flowering in June will eliminate the majority of the mature plants and drastically reduce seed production. Make sure to wash equipment after words to prevent movement of seeds to new areas. The rosettes and recently bolted stems that haven’t seed-set yet, may be controlled by severing the tap root 1-2 inches below the soil surface. Careful monitoring required to remove re-sprouts and recently germinated seedlings and rosettes.

PREVENTION

Management plans that combine early spring and late fall applications of a foliar herbicide with the active ingredients, metsulfuron, 2,4-D or Dicamba have been effective at managing this weed and any newly germinating plants. Complete eradication may take a few years as Wild Parsnip seeds are very viable. Any regrowth to affected lawn area will also help prevent another infestation as more vegetation grows to compete for nutrients and reduces where the weed can reestablish itself.


Essentially, the less space there is for Wild Parsnips to grow, the less likely they are to reestablish in your turf. Healthy, full turf will help prevent the growth of this weed and many others. To stave off disease and weeds, you should adopt a seasonal fertilizer program to ensure your turf has the nutrients required to stay dense and strong.

For professional fertilizers with herbicides to prevent and control weeds, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.

 

For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service to find a distributor near you.

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