For a few years now, this invasive species has been showing up around Oakville. I was introduced to it by a gardener who was spreading mulch in my garden; he asked if I knew about the Wild Parsnip that was growing through the fence from the Town’s land on the other side. Apparently, this was not something I would harvest to augment my diet! Since that time, I have made it my business to learn more, especially after finding how dangerous this innocuous plant can be.
The danger of Wild Parsnip sap
After the sap from wild parsnip comes in contact, your skin becomes super-sensitive, and exposure to ultra-violet light will cause severe burning. From my research, it appears that if you get the sap on your skin but stay in the shade, or covered up, washing off the oils from the sap is effective in avoiding any later trouble. Dawn soap was mentioned in one article. You’ll understand that I’m a bit reluctant to test this. It’s also not evident how much contact will result in a transfer of sap – will a simple brush-by cause problems (probably not) or do you have to break a stem or leaf? One source says the sap is only in the stem, Ontario.ca says it’s in the whole plant: stem, leaves, and flowers. Again, I’m not volunteering for a test. I gather the oils can be activated by sunlight long after exposure.
Avoiding problems
So the protocol for dealing with this danger comes in two parts: recognize and avoid. To help with the “recognize” part, I have some photos in the gallery below – these are all photos of the plant in its more evident, second year form. In the first year, it pretty much hugs the ground and stays out of sight. I’ll leave the “avoid” up to you.
Ontario.ca has more information on recognition and hints on control. For instance, if you’re digging the stuff up and wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, don’t wipe the clothing on your face when you’re undressing later that day.
Unfortunately, it will be younger folk who are more likely to come in intimate contact with this nasty plant. Most adults stick to the paths and don’t go wading through four-foot high weeds, Also the flowers are quite attractive, so a child may come home with a bouquet of “pretty flowers”. So please take the time to point out this plant when you’re out with your kids, and certainly make sure that none of this is growing behind the shed in your garden!
