Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Parsnip · Pastinaca sativa

Why are there spots on my parsnip leaves?

It is less common for parsnips to develop spots, which are usually caused by fungal leaf diseases that thrive in damp, humid conditions. Check the undersides of the leaves for signs of pests or fungal growth first.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

spots on a plant
Photo: Scot Nelson, CC0

Check these first

  1. Look for webbing or larvae on the leaves.
  2. Check if the spots are spreading quickly.
  3. Ensure the leaves have space to dry out.

Likely causes

  1. Fungal Leaf Spot

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small brown or black spots appear on the foliage, sometimes with a yellow halo around them.

    What to do: Remove the affected leaves to stop the spread. Improve air circulation by spacing your plants 4 to 6 inches apart.

  2. Parsnip Webworm Damage

    Possible

    How to tell: You may see webbing on the leaves or flower heads along with irregular holes and dark spots from larval waste.

    What to do: Pick off the larvae by hand if you see them. Use row covers early in the season to prevent moths from laying eggs.

Leaf spots on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your parsnip

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Worry if the spots cover most of the foliage and the plant stops growing. A few minor spots on older leaves are usually harmless.

Stopping it coming back

Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the leaves dry.

Parsnip: spots? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your parsnip and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I use a fungicide?
Usually, good cultural practices like spacing and proper watering are enough. Fungicides are rarely needed for home gardens.
Are spotted leaves safe to eat?
The leaves are generally not eaten, but the root remains safe to eat as long as the plant is otherwise healthy.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Parsnip

Back to the Parsnip guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.