Species purple meadow parsnip

purple meadow parsnip

Thaspium trifoliatum

The Purple Meadow Parsnip is a common wildflower in North America, growing up to 3 feet in height and producing compound umbels of small white flowers that are attractive to bees and butterflies. The flowers sit atop large, fuzzy foliage with three to nine leaflets. It's a great choice for adding calendar season to a sunny garden, blooming from late summer to fall. It thrives in wet meadows, riverbanks, and can tolerate both drought and occasional flooding. It is shallow rooted, making it vulnerable to wind disturbance so avoid planting in areas that are exposed to high winds. The dried seed pods can be used in arrangements or flower crowns.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Root Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

The purple meadow parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum) needs to be watered deeply but infrequently. During the spring, summer, and early fall, water it once a week for about an hour or until the soil is moist. During the winter, only water it once a month. Be careful to monitor the soil for signs of overwatering, such as soggy or saturated soil. Generally, the purple meadow parsnip prefers its soil to be on the drier side.

sunlight

Purple meadow parsnip (Thaspium trifoliatum) requires 6-8 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth and flowering. It should be planted in areas that offer full sun and sheltered from winds and strong midday sun. It can also tolerate some shade in hot climates, but too much shade will reduce flower production. In areas with cooler climates, the plants should receive at least 8 hours of full sun to thrive. To maintain optimal health, the plants should be watered when the topsoil is dry and fertilized twice a year with a balanced fertilizer.

pruning

Purple Meadow Parsnip should be pruned at the end of the growing season in the fall or early winter when the leaves and stems have died back. Pruning should be light and minimal, removing no more than 1-third of the plant's foliage. This will ensure the plant will enjoy the dense foliage and abundant flowers it is famed for in the next season. Pruning will also encourage the growth of new stems and will help to keep the plant neat and tidy over the winter months.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Thaspium trifoliatum typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Thaspium trifoliatum typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map