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Beware: wild parsnips, blisters ahead

Juices from yellow-flowered weed can cause severe sunburn-like rash

  • Animals with thin fur whose skin could be exposed to the sun can suffer burns from the juices of wild parsnips. Press photo by Joel Gray

  • The plant itself will not cause irritation, however, its sap when given an opportunity to react with sunlight or ultraviolet rays will cause the skin to blister. Although invasive, wild parsnips have not been recognized by the state as a noxious weed.

  • Wild parsnip leaves resemble celery leaves.

By Amie Johansen | amie@charlescitypress.com

Tall, yellow flowers sway in the ditches. Though seemingly elegant, this spindly plant should be avoided: wild parsnips.

“It’s kind of a scary thing really, if you don’t know what you’re looking for,” Floyd County Conservation Director and Weed Commissioner Adam Sears, said. “It’s something people should know before they go (out in it).”

Sears explained the juices in wild parsnips will cause the skin to burn. According to medical professionals, wild parsnips juices when combined with sunlight can cause the skin to react similarly to a severe sunburn.

“The people I’ve talked to or the things I’ve seen are usually near the top of the plant,” Sears said. “That’s where the resin is.”

Wild parsnips is regularly present in natural areas, however this it is exceptionally difficult to avoid.

“It’s definitely a lot of it out there,” Sears said. “It’s a biannual — it fluctuates where it has years of more growth and is a lot more present. This year there has been a lot of water…so everything is really flourishing.”

He explained that being a biannual plant means some years it appears as though there is more wild parsnips
than others.

In order to decrease the chances of tangling with this weed, Sears recommends taking action to control it.

“It’s definitely something you can mow now, it’s good timing … it’s still just flowering, the seed has not fully produced,” he said.

While mowing seems like an easy solution, Sears cautions people to be mindful when driving over the wild parsnips.

“The only problem is protecting yourself from any of the plants liquids or juices that could get on the operator,” he said.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention if a person should come into contact with wild parsnips, immediate action should be taken.

“Immediately rinse skin with rubbing alcohol, specialized poison plant washes, degreasing soap — such as dishwashing soap — or detergent, and lots of water,” the CDC website on poisonous plants said. “Rinse frequently so that wash solutions do not dry on the skin and further spread the urushiol.”

Once the affected area has been thoroughly washed, treat with specialty lotions.

“Apply wet compresses, calamine lotion, or hydrocortisone cream to the skin to reduce itching and blistering,” the CDC said. “Follow the directions on any creams and lotions. Do not apply to broken skin, such as open blisters.”

As with all severe reactions, the CDC recommends medical attention if the condition worsens. When mowing and working to remove wild parsnips, wear heavy long sleeved and long pants clothing.

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