Torilis japonica is a member of the familiar family of plants known as the Apiaceae, that includes carrots, parsley, etc. Leaves are compound and alternate and the flowers are small with white petals. The flowers are numerous and are arranged in flat-topped "umbels".

Torilis japonica is not yet a major invasive species in Wisconsin, but it has shown that it is capable of spreading rapidly and in the few locations so far infested it has formed large populations. It is important to recognize new invasive species early in the process. Removal that can be accomplished in a few hours in the first year or two, may take thousands of hours if left untreated. This species has been identified as one of the target species to monitor and begin to bring to the attention of the public before it becomes a big problem.