Invasive Plant: Wild Parsnip
Click on image for full size viewDescription:
Herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial. Rosettes grow close to
the ground and bear leaves averaging six inches in height. The plant has a
long, thick taproot. Depending on the habitat and growing conditions,
individual flowering plants range to over four feet in height. Leaves are
alternate, pinnately compound, branched, and have saw-toothed edges.
Wild parsnip can cause phytophotodermatitis to the skin. If the plant
juices come in contact with skin in the presence of sunlight, a rash and/or
blistering can occur, as well as skin discoloration that may last several
months to over a year. Frequently invades and modifies a variety of
open habitats. Animals can also get parsnip burns if they have little hair
and lightly pigmented skin through ingestion and contact. In Becker
County the plants have been noted to bloom at 8-12" in height.
Formula for Trouble: Everyone is sensitive to wild parsnip, this is how it
differs from poison ivy.
| Wild Parsnip |
"sap" (photo-sensitizing chemicals in
juice from green leaves, stems & seeds) |
| + Sensitive Skin |
(arms, legs, torso, face, and neck- any
place exposed to daylight usually not the palms of hands. Wet skin,
sweat and heat increase the effect) (Livestock also reacts to
ingesting plant) |
| + Ultraviolet Light |
(present on sunny and cloudy days.) |
| + Time |
(24 to 48 hours after exposure redness,
pain and blisters appear.) |
| = Parsnip Burn |
(Burn-like rash that, once healed, often
leaves a brownish pigmentation that can last for years) |
Control:
- Mechanical - cutting below surface, pulling plant and mowing.
Mowing will not kill plant.
- Herbicide - Timely application of 2,4-D, Telar, Escort,
Overdrive, Telar & Escort, Milestone & Escort, or Banvel to plants
in the rosette stage (August to October or late April to mid-May).
Photo Credit: Marsha Watland-BSWCD, Wisconsin Natural Resources - David Eagan
Resources: Illinois Nature Preserves Commission by Jill Kennay & George
Fell, The nature Conservancy by Nancy Eckardt, Wisconsin Natural
Resource Magazine by David J. Eagan, Marsha Watland BSWCD-funding
National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
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