Treatment here of three varieties within barbinode remain tentative; all three may be justified as subspecies or species instead. T. barbinode sensu stricto occurs mostly within mesic to slightly subxeric woods on medium-acid to base-rich soils from Appalachian regions to the upper midwest; but see also notes under var. garmanii. Although often found on calcareous soils, barbinode also occurs widely on non-calcareous soils. It is generally absent from full sun. Although this plant is often known as a "parsnip" there is little evidence of human use for food or even medicine. The taste is bitter with no redeeming interest, but there are no reports of human toxicity. Rabbits can occasionally browse on these plants (pers. obs.). There has been no published information on its chemistry.