Prairie parsley is an erect forb, 5-10dm tall, with an umbrella-shaped inflorescence, that is terminal, axillary, and compound. Flowered sections are small, with numerous short (3-5mm) pedicels, ovate sepals, yellow petals, 10-20 rays that are rough to the touch. Its fruits are elliptic or oblong, 6-8 mm, strongly flattened dorsally, and depressed in the center over the dorsal ribs. Lower leaves are long-petioled, ovate, and the ultimate segments are narrowly ovate to linear-oblong, each usually has a few sharp teeth.
It can be distinguished from wild parsnip and golden Alexanders by its leaves, which are more finely divided.