Parsnips are a large root vegetable which somewhat resemble white carrots and can be used in similar ways. Just like the wild parsnip, cultivated plants attract a range of pollinators and are host plants for several moths and butterflies, including swallowtails. Handling the plants should be done with care, as they can cause severe skin irritation- gloves and long sleeves are recommended while harvesting.
Latin Name
Pastinaca sativa
Family
Apiaceae
Type of Plant
Annuals
Vegetables
Seasons
Fall
Spring
Winter
Specifications
Max Height: 4'
Max Spread: 3'
Uses
Sunlight Exposure
Full Sun
Part Shade
Toxicity
Skin irritant
Colors
Native Range
Eurasia
History
Washington had his enslaved workers plant parsnips with carrots as a field crop to produce livestock feed, as well as in the gardens to use for human consumption.
Other Details
Grown by Washington
Planted at Mount Vernon
Hardiness Zones
Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005
Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility. Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.
Bring Washington's Garden Home
Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.
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