SAFETY ALERT: Wild Parsnips
If you've been watching the news lately, you may have seen some information on this poisonous plant that you've likely seen along the road or near ditches by your house. Because we care about our readers, we wanted to provide some additional information on this particular plant as you may encounter it during your annual gardening, summer walks and hikes.
Beware of WILD PARSNIPS!
If you're taking a look at this picture, you probably recognize this flower. It looks similar to Queen Anne's Lace, which is typically white in color, but wild parsnip (pastinaca sativa) flowers should not be picked!
Chemicals in Wild Parsnips
This plant should be avoided at all possible costs. A brush with this plant can have severe skin reactions that will require immediate attention. The chemical reaction of psoralen (read more about this chemical here) and sunlight is what causes the skin reaction called phytophotodermatitis.
Phytophotodermatitis
Mayo Clinic provides a great article on phytophotodermatitis if you would like additonal information. Because of the graphic nature of cases with phytophotodermatitis, we will not be posting the images directly on this website. If you would like to see photographs of the skin damage this poisonous plant can do, just do a Google search on "wild parsnip rash" or "wild parsnip burn."
Skin Reactions
When an individual comes in contact with wild parsnips, the reaction with the sun can cause severe burns and blisters. Although there may not be a reaction immediately, many see severe skin reactions within a day or so after contact. These reactions include a burn like rash and even blistering. Some cases are extremely severe with large blisters.
Treatment
Treatment of a burn from a wild parsnip can be found here. As always, consult your physician if you think you've come into contact with this plant.
Eradication
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the best way to get rid of these poisonous plants is to pull them to remove the entire plant, including the roots after a good rain. If you have to remove these because of the safety hazard from your property, be sure to take exceptional safety precautions by covering all exposed skin areas with gloves, long sleeves, long pants, sneakers or boots, and even a facemask. If these plants are not invasive on your property and do not pose a safety hazard, it is best to leave them as is and avoid if possible.
If you live in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, Oregon, or Washington, you should also watch out for giant hogweed (heracleum mantegazzianum), which is also poisionous [SOURCE].
Resources
If you're interested in reading some more about these poisonous plants, check out these two books:
As always...
