TICKs aren't only thing to look out for!
Be on the lookout & avoid these plants that can give severe skin reactions.
The Giant Hogweed, Wild Parsnip and Cow Parsnip are three you really don't want to mess with.
Wild parsnip is the easiest to ID as its flowers are yellow.
It is growing up this way!
“Chemical compounds in the sap produced by both the Wild Parsnip and Giant Hogweed invasive plants are extremely dangerous to humans. Skin that comes into contact with the sap becomes extremely sensitive to sunlight, resulting in a painful burn that produces severe blisters and scarring. Sap in the eyes can cause blindness. Contact with the broken stem, leaves or seeds causes exposure to the dangerous sap. Often the irritation will be streaked or splattered, indicating the manner in which the plant's juices came into contact with your skin. “
“Affected areas can remain discolored and sensitive to sunlight for up to two years, similar to but not as severe as contact with giant hogweed. “
“If your skin has come into contact with Wild Parsnip sap from the juices of its stem or leaves, WASH the area immediately and thoroughly with soap and water and AVOID ALL SUNLIGHT for 48 hours to lessen the severity of the reaction. FLUSH eyes with water and avoid sunlight if you think you may have gotten the sap in your eye. Remember, the sap contains phototoxins, which are activated by UV light exposure to cause severe burns. It is wise to seek medical attention if you have had exposure to this plant's harmful sap. “
Excerpted from:
"Flush the skin with large amounts of water without rubbing. Then use soap on the skin to remove residue. Do not rub with a washcloth, which could force the burning chemicals deeper into the skin. Use cold water to wash away the chemical residue, both humidity and warmth will open the pores of the skin and spread absorption. Similarly, remaining outside in the humidity and sweating will increase absorption."
Excerpted from
Excerpted from:
Wild Parsnip is also Poisonous to Livestock
See pages 3 & 4 in this NJ Dept. of Agriculture brochure
in order to be able to identify all of them.
Tick info is at https://www.pikepa.org/tick.html
Watch this video
Remove ticks properly & promptly.
