WILD PARSNIP Meaning and
Definition
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Wild parsnip is a biennial or perennial herbaceous plant scientifically known as Pastinaca sativa, native to Europe and Asia but now widely naturalized across North America. It is a member of the Apiaceae family, closely related to carrots and parsley. The term "wild" distinguishes it from cultivated forms of parsnip.
Wild parsnip is characterized by its tall, erect stem, which can grow up to 5 feet in height. The stems are hollow and grooved, with branches that bear compound leaves with saw-toothed edges. The plant typically produces a dense cluster of small, yellow flowers in the form of an umbrella-shaped inflorescence known as an umbel. The flowers eventually give way to seeds, which are oval-shaped and ridged.
Despite its botanical similarities to cultivated parsnips, wild parsnip is known for its potentially harmful effects. The plant contains a chemical compound called psoralen, which can cause skin irritation and phototoxicity. When exposed to sunlight, the sap of the plant can cause severe burns or rashes on the skin known as phytophotodermatitis. These reactions are commonly referred to as "wild parsnip burns."
Due to its ability to spread rapidly and its potential danger to humans, wild parsnip is often considered an invasive weed. It tends to grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides, fields, and meadows. Removal and control methods, including mowing, herbicides, and manual digging, are often employed to manage its spread.
Common Misspellings for WILD PARSNIP
- qild parsnip
- aild parsnip
- sild parsnip
- eild parsnip
- 3ild parsnip
- 2ild parsnip
- wuld parsnip
- wjld parsnip
- wkld parsnip
- wold parsnip
- w9ld parsnip
- w8ld parsnip
- wikd parsnip
- wipd parsnip
- wiod parsnip
- wils parsnip
- wilx parsnip
- wilc parsnip
- wilf parsnip
Etymology of WILD PARSNIP
The word "wild parsnip" has its etymology rooted in Old English and Latin.
The term "wild" can be traced back to the Old English word "wyld", meaning "untamed" or "not domesticated". This word shares a common Germanic root with the Old High German word "wild" and the Old Norse word "villr".
The word "parsnip" has Latin origins. It comes from the Latin word "pastinaca", which was used to describe a type of vegetable. This Latin word was then borrowed into Old English as "passenep" or "pastinaca". Over time, the spelling evolved into "parsnip", although the pronunciation remained similar.
When these two terms are combined, "wild parsnip" simply refers to the untamed or wild version of the parsnip plant.
Similar spelling words for WILD PARSNIP
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