Plants that Bite !

Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) can be spotted throughout Delaware County, typically along roadways. The invasive plant has naturalized in the United States, and can also be found in fields and sometimes, lawns.

 
The plant is identifiable by its hollow grooved stem, and its fern-like leaves which resemble celery leaves. The flat topped yellow flowering heads are clustered in groups of three to eight and it can grow up to five feet tall.

Wild Parsnip is flourishing along roadways and waterways in Delaware County. Here, it can be seen along state Route 30/206 in Downsville, adjacent to the East Branch of the Delaware River, in July.

 The plant is particularly abundant this year and, I suspect, that is due, in part, to highway crews opting to spray pesticides during its late growth stage as a cost savings measure, rather than mow roadside before the plant goes to seed.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the sap of the plant contains chemicals called furanocoumarins, which can burn the skin when exposed to sunlight. The reaction, phytophotodermatitis, will first cause a blistering of the skin and can also cause discoloration of the skin and increased sensitivity to sunlight.
If contact with the sap occurs, wash the affected area with soap and water and keep covered, away from sunlight, for 48 hours. If blistering does occur, stay out of the sun to prevent discoloration of the skin.
 

The leaves are similar to celery leaves. 

I had my first encounter with this plant several years ago while mowing at my farm.   Not knowing that I had gotten the sap on my knees, I spent the remainder of the day in the sun and suffered blisters for two weeks, followed my three months of discolored skin where the sap had touched my skin.

The plant is invasive, going to seed late summer and populating surrounding areas with the help of the wind.

The DEC encourages the public to report sightings of wild parsnip to www.nyimapinvasives.org.



Wild parsnip can be eradicated in small areas by cutting roots one to two inches below the soil and removing the plant before it goes to seed. Mowing the plant after it has bloomed, but before it has gone to seed can also help to remove it. Always wear protective clothing when handling the plant.