Wild Parsnip: Dangerous?

Someone mentioned that they were allergic to parsnip. What? Parsnip…what is that? Oh it’s all over the place around here. So I had to look it up and it affects you like poison ivy or poison oak by giving you a rash, but this rash sort of burns which last for a day or two. For people who are sensitive to this plant it is horrible. If you come into contact with the leaves or sap, it itches and burns on your skin. Then if you happen to be outside and the sun’s rays hit your arm where the leaves touched it, a painful burn develops (phytophotodermatitis) which can leave scars and last for several months. This means that the chemicals in the juice of this plant , reacts with the help of the sun’s ultra violet light, which can burn your skin.

The plant is huge, 2-5 feet tall with large green leaves, if you let it grow. Wild parsnip develops yellow flowers that are in clusters. You need to remove the plant from the root to stop seed development. Wear gloves, long sleeve shirt and long pants when removing the plant from around your home. Hand pulling can remove the plant or cut the plant below the root crown before seeds set and remove the cut plant.

Do these leaves and flowers look familiar?

So if you happen to be allergic to this plant, come in contact with it, and develop a rash/ blisters as shown in the picture, see your doctor as soon as possible.

For more information contact:

Julia Jacobs, SRMT Environmental Outreach

412 State Route 37

Akwesasne, N.Y. 13655

518-358-5937 ext: 126

[email protected]

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