Wild parsnip

Invasive Species Information

Creeping Bellflower - Campanula rapunculoides Biodiversity, Medium Risk Invasive Species

What Is Wild parsnip - (Pastinaca sativa)?

Habitat: Terrestrial
Distribution in Ireland:

Status: Established

Family name:

Common name/s:

Reproduction:

Clover broomrape Biodiversity Medium Risk Invasive Species 14

Wild parsnip flowers

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Wild parsnip leaves

At Japanese Knotweed Killers we are committed to bringing you the most accurate and up-to-date information on all alien invasive species affecting Ireland.

Our team of botanists, scientists and consultants work hard to provide all information in easy to understand language, making it as easy for you to identify species. If you can't find what your looking for on our site, why not give us a call (085-808-9016). One of our experts will be happy to help.

We have an anticipated update for this page early in 2018.

We are in the process of including additional content for this alien invasive species listed on Ireland's biodiversity Medium Impact / Risk list.

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How To Identify Wild parsnip?

Wild parsnip - Pastinaca sativa ID Guide

Leaf:
Flower:
Stem/Twig:
Bark:

Fruit:

Smell:

Seed:

Root:

Wild parsnip seed pods

Wild parsnip seed

Why Is Wild parsnip A Problem?

Wild parsnip is an alien (non-native) invasive plant, meaning it out-competes crowds-out and displaces beneficial native plants that have been naturally growing in Ireland for centuries.

This web page is currently under development - we have an anticipated update for early 2018.

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*Sap/Juices contain Furanocoumarin.

Furanocoumarins, or furocoumarins, are a class of organic chemical compounds produced by a variety of plants. They are biosynthesized partly through the phenylpropanoid pathway and the mevalonate pathway, which is biosynthesized by a coupling of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) and 7-hydroxycoumarin (umbelliferone).

Many furanocoumarins are toxic and are produced by plants as a defense mechanism against predators such as insects and mammals. This class of phytochemical is responsible for the phytophotodermatitis seen in exposure to the juices of the wild parsnip and the giant hogweed.

Medication interactions:-

Furanocoumarins have other biological effects. For example, in humans, bergamottin and 6',7'-dihydroxybergamottin are responsible for the "grapefruit juice effect", in which furanocoumarins affect certain P450 liver and gut enzymes, such as the inhibition of CYP3A4 which either activates or deactivates many drugs, leading to higher or lower levels in the bloodstream.

Furanocoumarins have various effects which can specifically increase or decrease (depending on the drug) the blood levels of many pharmaceuticals in ways that can be life-threatening. Approved drugs will include warnings for grapefruit.