There’s a reason you don’t find any recipe cards for wild parsnip.
It’s an invasive and extremely poisonous plant that is becoming more prevalent on Renfrew County roadsides.
Look for it as well on areas of uncultivated land, nature trails, as well as on and surrounding rural and residential properties. The plant sap contains chemicals that may cause skin and eye irritation and make the skin prone to burning and blistering when exposed to the sun.
The blisters typically arise within one to two days after contact with the plant and can result in long-term scarring of the skin.
Stay safe by looking out for it and avoid touching it.
Young plants are low-growth, non-flowering rosettes with leaves resembling celery plants.
As the plant grows it develops hollow-branched flowering stalks that bloom in June or July.
County of Renfrew staff are working under an Integrated pest management plan that includes mapping infected areas and reducing wild Parsnip presence on county-owned lands.
Rick Stow
