Wild Parsnip - Ask Extension
I have about 4 acres of unused pasture, that has been invaded by wild parsnip. I would say about a total of half an acre in different areas have it. L...
Knowledgebase
Wild Parsnip #870753
Asked May 30, 2024, 12:09 PM EDT
I have about 4 acres of unused pasture, that has been invaded by wild parsnip. I would say about a total of half an acre in different areas have it. Last year I followed the DNRs recommendations to mow these areas when the parsnip had secondary flowers before seeding. I did this 4 times and felt I got 95% mowed. I did not mow entire pasture- leaving the tall grasses standing to compete with parsnip. It is recommended to clean blades on mower after mowing, which is impossible on my riding mower. Still I felt I got the parsnip before seeds. Again this year I see about same amount of parsnip- some in different areas. Frustrating! Do you think it is better to just mow the entire pasture all season long? Not sure which procedure would eradicate it sooner? I really don’t want to spray, but is that necessary? Thank you.
Goodhue County Minnesota
Expert Response
https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/noxiouslist/wildparsnip#:~:text=Mowing%20or%20cutting%20stands%20larger,to%20cut%20newly%20bolted%20plants.
https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/WildParsnipBCP.pdf
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadsides/vegetation/pdf/parsnip-fact-sheet.pdf
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/control-wild-parsnip
It will take a couple of years to see a reduction in wild parsnip because of the seeds left in the ground over many years. The seeds will germinate at different rates so mowing will be needed for a couple of years. It’s a lot to read but the sections about how to control wild parsnip are short. I think the consensus is reassuring that what you are doing will be effective. I wouldn’t worry about washing mower blades, I don’t think it will do much.
https://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/invasive-species/WildParsnipBCP.pdf
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/roadsides/vegetation/pdf/parsnip-fact-sheet.pdf
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/control-wild-parsnip
It will take a couple of years to see a reduction in wild parsnip because of the seeds left in the ground over many years. The seeds will germinate at different rates so mowing will be needed for a couple of years. It’s a lot to read but the sections about how to control wild parsnip are short. I think the consensus is reassuring that what you are doing will be effective. I wouldn’t worry about washing mower blades, I don’t think it will do much.
