Meadow Parsnip (Thaspium barbinode) © William Britten use with permission only

The yellow variety of Meadow Parsnip (Thaspium barbinode) is very common and can be seen on many Smoky Mountains trails in late April into May. The name is somewhat of an oddity, as Meadow Parsnip is most commonly found in moist woods and stream banks in the Smokies.

These wildflowers are members of the Parsley family. Note how each tiny flower is at the end of its own little stalk. This is called an umbel, or an umbrella-like design, and is characteristic of the Parsley family.

The Purple Meadow Parsnip below is less commonly seen. Both photos here were taken on the Kanati Fork Trail, where the two wildflowers grow intermingled along the trail in a beautiful display.

Purple Meadow Parsnip © William Britten use with permission only

The William Britten Gallery in the Morning Mist Village on the historic Arts and Crafts Trail in Gatlinburg has my complete display of Smoky Mountains photos. Please stop in for a visit if you are in the area!

You may also want to join my Smoky Mountains Wildflowers Community on Facebook.  We share photos and exchange identification tips and trail locations.