Beware of the wild parsnip
The Enterprise — Melissa Hale-Spencer
Wild parsnip, an invasive plant originally from Asia and Europe, has edible roots but the juice from its stems and leaves can cause phytophotodermatitis — an inflammation of the skin produced by the plant in sunlight; the burns can be like second-degree sunburn with painful blisters. People whose skin touches the plant are urged to wash right away with soap and water and to keep the exposed area out of the sun for two days.
To the Editor:
Poison parsnips are called this because, when they are pulled up, the roots look like a parsnip.
I never heard of them before last week. They are growing on our property and along the roadsides in Altamont, Knox, and I’m sure other towns nearby.
They are golden yellow and look like a yellow version of Queen Anne’s lace, which makes them likely to be used in a summer bouquet.
Touching them can result in a hideous blister that doesn’t appear for a few days but can last quite a while.
Linda Pulliam
Knox