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Cornell Fruit Resources: Berries

Resources for Commercial Berry Growers

HomeBerry Integrated Pest Management (IPM)New and Emerging Pest Issues in BerriesWild Parsnip

Wild Parsnip

Genus species: Pastinaca sativa

Distribution: Albany, Bronx, Cattaraugus, Chenango, Columbia, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Jefferson, Kings, Lewis, Livingston, Nassau, New York, Oneida, Orange, Oswego, Queens, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, St. Lawrence, Suffolk, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, and Westchester Counties.

Background: This plant is native to Europe and Asia. It was most likely introduced to the US as an early food crop (roots are edible) in the late 1800’s. Spread of this species has increased dramatically during recent years.

Crops of Concern: All berry crops where it is present but established bushberry and caneberry plantings in particular.

Potential for Economic Impact: Apart from being an invasive weed, this species may pose a problem in u-pick operations as it causes a skin irritation similar to, but in most cases, slightly less severe than poison ivy, including burning, itching, blisters, skin discoloration and possible scarring. This reaction is initiated after contact by exposure to sunlight (phytophotodermatitis).

Identification: Wild parsnip is a member of the carrot and parsnip family (Apiaceae). A biennial perennial plant, the first year it forms a 6 inch basal rosette of leaves with a long carrot-like tap root. Wild parsnip may remain in the rosette stage 1 to 3 years eventually flowering in mid-June to early August after reaching 3 to 6 ft. in height. In bloom wild parsnip resembles a large yellow Queen Anne’s Lace. Slightly hairy stems are yellowish-green with vertical grooves running their length. Compound leaves are alternate and have 5 to 15 sharply- toothed yellowish green leaflets. Reproduction is by seed. Seeds may persist in soil up to 4 years.

Management: Eradication/removal prior to seed-bearing is essential to prevent establishment of large populations and/or extensive spread.

  • Cultural Management – Hand removal of rosettes and small plants is effective for small localized patches. Larger areas may be weeded with a shovel. Flowering plants should be severed 1-2 inches below ground level before seed drop. Severed plants should be burned or bagged and taken to a landfill. All of these methods should be done only while wearing protective clothing and eye protection.
  • Chemical Management – Spot treat rosettes or bolting plants pre-bloom. Shielded applications of glyphosate to rosettes in fall may help minimize possible impact on bush and caneberries. See listings under specific crops in the Cornell Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops.

Additional Resources:

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