Wild parsnips a growing health menace

There is a new danger lurking along our roadsides, fields and trails when you head out for a walk in the wild this summer. What looks like a colourful wildflower is actually a toxic plant that could burn your skin and hurt your eyes.

Along with poison ivy, there is now a second plant to avoid. Wild parsnip, an eye-catching colourful non-native weed, has made its way to North America from Europe and Asia.

Wild parsnip grows in large patches or as scattered plants along roadsides, public recreation areas, around sports fields, pastures, fence rows and in disturbed open areas. It can grow as tall as two metres.

The weed resembles Queen Anne’s Lace (also known as wild carrot), a weed common to Canada and recognizable by its white flowers.

“Wild parsnips, which have a yellow flower, contain a chemical compound that can cause severe burn blisters when activated by sunlight,” explained Chris Hargreaves of the Friends of Lemoine Point.

Wild parsnip causes phyto-photodermatitis, which happens when the sap of the plant, from broken stems and leaves, touches the skin and is exposed to ultraviolet light (whether cloudy or sunny), said Hargreaves.

Within 24 to 48 hours, the affected area will first redden and in most cases be followed by blisters that can be painful for a couple of days. In many cases, the blisters will lead to brownish pigmentation that can last for years.

Unlike poison ivy, the reaction caused by contact with wild parsnip sap is not an allergic reaction. Toxin in the sap is absorbed by the skin and energized by ultraviolet light. Moisture from perspiration speeds absorption. Burning is inevitable if skin comes in contact with juice from cut or broken stalks, leaves or flowers. The juices are most potent while in flower. Mild exposure is similar to sunburn. Severe exposure causes skin to blister.

People who come in contact with the toxic liquid are advised to quickly seek shelter, to stop the sap from photosynthesizing, and to wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water. Skin can turn red one day after exposure. Inflammation may also occur after three days. Those who have a reaction are advised to seek medical attention.

If the sap gets into the eyes, it may even cause temporary or permanent blindness.

Wild parsnip has been around for years, but in small quantities. But, the wet weather of recent years has produced an abundance of plants.

Hargreaves’ advice to anyone who sees these plants is to stay clear.

“If you are likely to be in contact with wild parsnip, cover up,” he said.

It seems that the best advice for anyone who accidentally gets the sap on their skin is to wash it off immediately with soap and water and avoid exposure to sunlight. It may be necessary to cover up for a couple of days.

To relieve symptoms, cover affected area with a cool, wet cloth. If blisters appear, try not to rupture blisters as long as possible. To avoid infection, keep area clean and apply antiseptic cream.

It’s not as big a problem for pets, but this plant can still hurt them.

“The plant has a chemical in the leaves that is secreted in the plant oil which could find its way on pets’ feet if they walk through the plants, or likely on a cat’s tongue after grooming,” explained Dr. Jeff Latimer of Princess Animal Hospital. “Because most dogs and cats are not attracted to the plant, I feel that seeing these lesions is unlikely as the pet would have to find the plant, walk through it, then get enough sunlight to cause the reaction.”

“It’s everywhere,” agreed Karla Maki-Edson, communications co-ordinator with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority. “There is a lot of stuff people can get into in the outdoors. Stinging nettles, prickly ash, raspberry canes, thistles — you just have to be observant and try to avoid the plants that can scratch you or make you itch.”

“That can be different things for different people depending on what you are sensitive to. Some people don’t even react to poison ivy,” added Maki-Edson.

Once you have learned to recognize the plant, you quickly notice just how abundant this plant is.

How do we control them and get rid of them?

The simplest method of control may be to regularly cut the grass, plants and weeds in green areas alongside roads and in areas the public uses.

The best way to control wild parsnip is by early detection and eradication.

“If you only have a few of them in your yard, you can remove them by digging or hand pulling (especially after all the rain we have had lately),” she said. “Be sure to wear shoes or boots, long pants, long sleeves, gloves and goggles when you are working near it. Dispose of the wild parsnip plants in the garbage. To do otherwise will spread them further.”

The best way to control the spread of wild parsnip and keep it at bay is to mow or “weed eat” it just when the flower buds are beginning to show (somewhere between the end of June and beginning of July). It’s crucial to remember that cutting the plant down with a mower or trimmer later in the season is not a good idea because mowing leads to re-sprouts and weed whacking spreads the toxic sap.

It appears to be spreading, agreed Tom Beaubiah, a biologist with the Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority.

He adds that there are a few websites with additional information to assist in identifying wild parsnip can be found online at www.weedinfo.ca.

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