Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Watch out for Wild Parsnip



This pretty looking flower that looks similar to fennel and dill is not very friendly. If you get the plant oil on your skin you will get what is called phyto-photo-dermatitis. The plant oil combined with sunlight makes for an unpleasant sun burn feeling or blister. Essentially the skin is chemically burned. The leftover result will be a dark brownish-red color on the skin. These markings can last for a very long time. I myself have had mine for about 2 months and they are now starting to fade. Some people have reported having the markings for several years. If you have had contact with the plant oil try washing the places that you think have been touched. The best thing to do is avoid the plant or wear gloves and long clothing if it needs to be moved from your yard.

Dill and Fennel will both have feather like leaves.

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