Beware The Wild Parsnip


Driving down the road or walking in a field, many people have seen it, but might not know what it is.

"This is wild parsnip, it's everywhere, it's a non-native, invasive weed on roadsides, waste places," said Sue Gwise of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Wild parsnip is typically found in Europe and Asia, but now seems to be taking over the north country.

What makes this weed so wild? It's all in the touch.

Gwise says it " basically causes a rash that, where you develop chemical-like burns on your skin."

Once someone's exposed, the sun's rays may cause outbreaks for years.

Basically, if you react to plants like poison ivy, stay away from wild parsnip.

Experts have some advice if you come across the weed in your yard.

They say to remove the entire weed, but don't mow or cut it.

"That's just going to spread the plant juices into the air and you could potentially get them on your skin," Gwise said.

In other words, when it comes to this growing problem of wild parsnip -- handle with care.


Friday, October 31, 2014
, Watertown, NY

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