Here is the Hollow Crown Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa. Some confuse this variety with the Parsnip Guernsey variety but in fact it is not the same but with a longer and wider root. This was a popular variety in the 1820's with very long cream colored roots that get to around 8 to 12 inches long and 2 to 3 inches wide! The plant can grow as tall as 6+ feet tall if left growing in it's second year. This is a biannual so make sure you harvest it the first year in late fall or early spring for best flavor. They have a sweet taste better then a carrot! Best to harvest them in colder weather for sweeter roots. Open pollinated start in June and harvest in late September or early spring before it bolts. 120 days.
 
Use protective gloves and clothing when handling parsnip plants, as the shoots and leaves contain furanocoumarin, a chemical that can cause serious skin burns. Burning, tingling, redness and streak-like blisters may develop within 24 to 48 hours of exposure. Seek medical attention if a serious rash or blisters develop.