Avoid These Potentially Harmful Plants

Avoid These Potentially Harmful Plants

Both native and non-native plants in the carrot and parsnip family have the potential to cause harm to people. These plants contain furanocoumarins, a toxic compound that reacts with ultraviolet radiation. Basically, skin contact with sap from these plants, in the presence of uv light, even on a cloudy day, causes rashes, blisters, and other injuries. This condition is called phytophotodermatiits. In some cases, the skin is discolored and the discoloration can last several years.

Reactions can vary by person as well as by plant species. It is interesting to note that this is the same compound found in grapefruits which causes interactions with certain medications. It is also found in limes and other citrus fruits. Some plants to look out for include native Cow Parsnip (HeracleumSphondylium) and Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea), and non-native Giant Hogweed (Heracleummantegazzianum), Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucuscarota), Japanese Hedgeparsley (Torissis japonica), and Wild Cervil (Anthriscussylvestris).

All of these plants have flowers in umbels, which resemble the spokes of an umbrella, all coming from a central point. These umbels look like an upside down umbrella with a flat or rounded top of flowers, depending on the species. Flowers are white or yellow, depending on the species. They vary in height from 2 feet to 20 feet. Their leaves vary in appearance from species to species. They are found on roadsides, open woods, pastures, prairies, and fields.

It is important to note that some plants are more likely to cause a reaction than others. For example, all parts of Poison Hemlock are toxic to animals and humans. Also, you are more likely to see native Cow Parsnip than Giant Hogweed, the up to 20 foot tall invasion species found in Manitowoc County, Waupaca County, and Iron County in Wisconsin.

Jennifer Powell, Coordinator for the Lakeshore Invasive Species Management Area (LISMA) encourages everyone to keep an eye out for these plants species and to report any potential non-native plants to . For more information, contact Jennifer at 920-793-4007 or .