Identification
This native, short-lived, 1-3 foot tall perennial has erect, branching stems often tinged with red. The alternate, compound upper leaves are divided into 3 finely toothed leaflets (A,D). The lower leaves may actually have 3 sets of 3 or more leaflets (D,E). The 10-20 groups (umbels) of tiny 1/8th inch flowers (B) combine to form shallow, umbrella-shaped flower clusters (compound umbels)(C,E). By late June or July flowers are replaced by oblong, prominently ridged fruits (F). Leaves often turn reddish at maturity (G).
Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) flowers later and has pinnately compound leaves with 5-15 leaflets.
Golden Alexanders occurs in prairies and open sites flowering in May and June. It is common in some of the restored prairies at Neale Woods particularly Nebraska and Hilltop. It is uncommon in the Camp Brewster Restoration at Fontenelle Forest.
The compound leaves with 3 leaflets separate this plant from Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), an escaped garden veggie “gone rogue,” and a nuisance in some areas. It has pinnately compound leaves of 5-15 leaflets. Wild Parsnip also flowers later in the season.
Early settlers thought this plant would cure syphilis and promote wound healing.
Other common names include Wild Parsley and Golden Parsnip.
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