Meadow Parsnip.Zizia aurea.
Found in meadow grass lands, in May and June.
The sparingly branched stalk, from 2 to 3 feet high, is tough-fibred, and smooth, though channeled with many fine grooves; it is hollow, with an aromatic smell, and usually tends to a dull red color.
The 2- or 3-times divided leaf has narrow leaflets, tapering to the tip, and sharply toothed on the edge; the surface is smooth, and the texture firm; the color a strong, full-toned green. The leaves are few, at long intervals, on short foot-stems that widen into a leafly membrane, partly clasping the main stalk.
The minute yellow flower has 5 petals, turned in toward the center; the stamens and pistil are small, and the calyx is of a pale yellow-green color; the flowers grow in flat-topped clusters, from 2 to 3 inches broad, or larger.
In the hand, the Meadow Parsnip seems a little coarse in color and texture, but its aspect is pleasing when seen lifting its bright yellow green-ribbed parasols above the meadow grass.