Parsnip question

[Ruderunner]

I have a parsnip growing already! I'm not sure if it's one that didn't get picked last year or if it's from a seed that didn't germinate last year.

I've heard warnings that second year parsnip is toxic, is that true?

How would one tell?

 

[YumYum]

I was going to try to grow parsnips later this year. Now I wonder if I will.

From what I gather it is the leaves and shoots that contain the toxin, and sunlight activates it, and it is wild parsnip but really can't find a clear answer to eating a garden parsnip.

It is a biennial so if it blooms, it is a second year plant. If you don't trust it, pull it with some gloves in the dark.