Meadow Parsnip

About Meadow Parsnip

Meadow Parsnip is a versatile and bright addition to the native landscape, offering a splash of sunny color in the transition from spring to summer. This variety is distinguished by its vibrant yellow, umbrella-like flower clusters that sit atop smooth, branched stems reaching 1 to 2.5 feet tall. The foliage is equally attractive, with heart-shaped basal leaves and trifoliate stem leaves that add a fine texture to the garden. Native to a wide range of habitats including prairies, open woodlands, and meadows across the eastern half of the United States, it is remarkably adaptable to different soil types. As a member of the carrot family, it is an invaluable host plant for the Black Swallowtail butterfly larvae and provides nectar for a wide array of beneficial insects and small bees. It grows best in medium to medium-dry soils in full sun to partial shade. With its long bloom time and ecological benefits, it is a fantastic choice for pollinator gardens and prairie restorations alike.