It is growing near a barn in soil largely composed of composted manure. The area was ploughed over last summer when the barn moved in to the leased property. I have dug up most of it and am hot composting it, but there is another part of the property with similar soil where it appears to be strongly established. Last year's dry stems and umbels are still visible in some places, and young plants are growing, mixed into the grass near where horses are hand-grazed! This plant had a tap-root, parsnip-like in appearance, about three inches across at the crown. Fortunately the soil is soft and moist right now, and the plants are just starting to surge upwards. It is stinky, as the book says it would be. Before I go crazy and dig up the rest of it, I was hoping to confirm the ID. (This is near Seattle)
Very likely. The leaves look very similar to what is illustrated in the Illustrated Flora of BC, as well as the fact that the stems are purple-spotted.
Yes, it is. Easily pulled out but apt to reseed abundantly on suitable sites if allowed to flower. Grows quite tall, well over one's head where conditions permit.
Oh, it's not going to get to flower. Going after it gives me a tingle, like a brush with the dark side. Thanks for confirming!
