Wild Parsnip Can Be Worse Than Poison Ivy

Posted on July 19, 2013

CBS News reports that poison parsnip is proving to cause people more serious skin ailments than poison ivy. The wild parsnip can cause a skin condition called phytophotodermatitis. A warning from Iowa State says a skin reaction occurs when the plant juice gets on the skin and the skin is exposed to sunlight. The reaction causes skin reddening, burns and blisters. Iowa State says a dark red or brownish discoloration can develop after the blisters that does not go away for months to as long as two years. It grows quickly and can be found on the side of roads.

Here's a video about a gardener from Minnesota who encountered a wild parsnip plant and experienced a very painful burning rash that blistered. Take a look:

PLANTS