The online course is designed to help you identify wild parsnip and Japanese knotweed.
Below are additional resources about the identification of wild parsnip and Japanese knotweed.
Wild parsnip
Wild parsnip identification
- Wild parsnip profile page by Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Wild parsnip profile page by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Identify wild parsnip by University of Minnesota Extension
- Video on wild parsnip identification (University of Wisconsin Extension)
- Wild parsnip identification training module (Midwest Invasive Species Information Network)
- Minnesota Noxious Weeds Book (PDF, page 30, Minnesota Department of Transportation)
Wild parsnip look-alikes
Prepare to distinguish wild parsnip from similar plants, such as:
- Golden alexanders is a native plant that is commonly confused with wild parsnip. Learn to tell them apart by studying photos and descriptions on page 62 of the MnDOT Noxious Weed Book.
- Water hemlock is a native plant that can be confused with wild parsnip. Learn to tell them apart by studying photos and descriptions on page 72 of the MnDOT Noxious Weed Book.
- Poison hemlock is an invasive plant that can be confused with wild parsnip. It is on the prohibited eradicate list in Minnesota. Learn to tell these plants apart by studying photos and descriptions on page 17 of the MnDOT Noxious Weed Book.
Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed identification
- Japanese knotweed profile page by Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Japanese knotweed profile page by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Identify Japanese knotweed by University of Minnesota Extension
- Japanese knotweed identification training module by Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
- Minnesota Noxious Weeds Book (PDF, pages 24 and 25, Minnesota Department of Transportation)
- Biology, Ecology and Management of Knotweeds (PDF by Montana State University)
- Wisconsin DNR Japanese knotweed Brochure (PDF) and Website
- US Forest Service Fact Sheet (PDF)
Japanese knotweed look-alikes
Prepare to distinguish Japanese knotweed from similar plants, such as:
- Giant knotweed plants are much taller than Japanese knotweed and have significantly larger, thinner leaves with heart-shaped bases.
- Bohemian knotweed is a hybrid between Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed. It is generally taller and has larger leaves with more heart-shaped bases.
- Dwarf Japanese knotweed is shorter in height (up to 3 feet) and has smaller, rounder, thicker leaves.
Japanese knotweed look-alikes
