Wild Parsnip
(Pastinaca sativa)

Although the plant is called 'wild' it is probably the same plant as the cultivated parsnip grown for its edible roots.  The word 'sativa' in the species name means 'planted'.  Like Queen Ann's Lace, wild parsnip was introduced from Europe by the colonists.

Wild parsnip is found in fields, waste places, roadsides and railroad rights of way across the entire state.