Flower:

Large flat cluster (umbel) 3 to 6 inches across made up of 12 to 15 smaller clusters (umbellets) each with 12 to 18 tiny 5-petaled yellow flowers. Flowers are less than 1/8 inch across, the 5 petals typically folded inward, though are sometimes spreading. The larger umbel has a stalk 2 to 4 inches long above the last set of leaves. The smaller umbellets have slender, spreading stalks 1½ to 2 inches long, giving the flower cluster an open airy appearance.

Leaves and stems:

Lower leaves are 2 or 3 times compound in groups of 3 to 5; a compound leaf is up to 12 inches long and 6 inches wide, on long stalks. Upper leaves are 1 or 2 times compound in groups of 3 leaflets, on a shorter stalk often swollen at the base and sheathing the main stem. Leaflets are about 1 inch long and about 1/3 inch wide, oval to elliptic, the edges toothless though somewhat rough or irregular with a reddish tinge. Plants are smooth and hairless, the stems long and lanky with few branches, dull green to reddish in color, often with a waxy sheen.

Notes:

Found only in the counties of Minnesota's southeastern "toe" it is one of several yellow flowered members of the carrot family present in the region. Its occurrence however is infrequent and uncommon compared to the widely distributed native Golden and Heart-leaved Alexanders (Zizia aurea and Z. aptera) or the rapidly spreading invasive Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). It can be readily distinguished by its open, airy umbels, sparse and lanky stem and leaf structure, and toothless leaflets—the other yellow-flowered carrots have toothed leaflets.