Northwest Iowa — A poisonous weed that has been with us for a long time could be hard to avoid in grassy areas such as pastures, hiking areas, and ditches.
Experts tell us that wild parsnip is not a plant with which you would want to come into contact. The Iowa DNR says if its oil touches the skin and then is exposed to sunlight, painful blisters will develop.
Experts tell is it seems to have been more plentiful in recent years in ditches. This is the time of year that they become a problem, but they tell us that it’s actually easier to kill earlier in the season. So if you spray it now, maybe mark the area and come back next spring and scout for the young plants then.
Experts tell us that it doesn’t matter if the plant is flowering or not – you should avoid contact with it at all times.
Iowa DNR experts also say you should avoid using a lawn string trimmer to remove it, as you’ll get splattered with broken parsnip tissue and have a high exposure to its toxin.
As with exposure to poison ivy, it is suggested that you wash off as soon as possible after exposure. The DNR says prevention is also key here – wear long sleeves and pants and avoid contact with the plant.
A similar plant, with white flowers and a purple-spotted stem, is even more dangerous, say experts. It’s the poison hemlock, and if ingested, it can actually kill you. It also grows in ditches and along roads.
