Family: Apiaceae
Author: (L.) A.Gray
Bibliography: Manual, ed. 2: 156 (1856)
Year: 1856
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Thaspium
Vegetable: False
Observations: EC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Purple meadow-parsnip, scientifically known as Thaspium trifoliatum, is a fascinating perennial plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. First mentioned in a manual by A.Gray in 1856, this plant has since been a subject of both horticultural and botanical interest.
Primarily observed in the Eastern and Central regions of the United States, Thaspium trifoliatum thrives in a variety of habitats, often favoring the edges of woodlands and open meadows where sunlight is ample but not overwhelming. Typical of the Apiaceae family, this plant features characteristic umbels of small, yellow flowers that bloom during the late spring to early summer months, attracting a wide array of pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The foliage of the purple meadow-parsnip is composed of trifoliate leaves, which means each leaf is divided into three leaflets. These leaflets add a lush, green backdrop to the bright, clustered flowers, creating a visually appealing contrast that can enhance any natural landscape.
Native Americans and early settlers have historically used Thaspium trifoliatum for medicinal purposes, utilizing various parts of the plant to concoct remedies for a range of ailments. Though primarily appreciated today for its ornamental value and ecological benefits, the herb continues to hold a place of cultural significance in areas where it grows naturally.
If you find yourself exploring the woods or meadows in its native range, keep an eye out for the delicate yet striking presence of the purple meadow-parsnip, a botanical treasure that underscores the rich biodiversity of the region.
Common Names
Eng: purple meadow-parsnip, purple meadowparsnip, smooth meadow-parsnip
Fra: panais trifolié
En: Purple meadow-parsnip, Smooth meadow-parsnip, Purple meadowparsnip
Fr: Panais trifolié
Synonyms
- Upopion trifoliatum ((L.) Raf.)
- Thaspium aureum var. trifoliatum ((L.) J.M.Coult. & Rose)
- Thapsia trifoliata (L.)
- Smyrnium trifoliatum ((L.) Muhl.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 13, 2020 by ryan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 13, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Apr 13, 2015 by EOL − Matt Rung (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Fruit
Taken May 18, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Apr 29, 2004 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3034874)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:288371-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thaspium trifoliatum (L.) A. Gray)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
