The Prince Edward Island Invasive Species Council is urging residents to be vigilant for wild parsnip and promptly report any sightings for effective removal. Wild parsnip, an invasive plant commonly seen in open areas like trails and roadsides, poses a significant threat to the forest ecosystems on P.E.I., particularly in wooded areas’ open spaces and edges.
Though the plant’s root is edible, its sap triggers a skin reaction upon sun exposure, causing painful blisters and burns. Clay Cutting, an invasive species technician with the council, shared his personal experience of suffering burns from wild parsnip, emphasizing the necessity of seeking medical attention, including consultations with specialists like ophthalmologists and dermatologists.
Medical advice suggested using hydrocortisone cream to treat the burns, as highlighted by Cutting. Chase Guindon, the council’s coordinator, recommended individuals encountering the plant’s sap to immediately move to a shaded spot and cleanse the affected skin with water.
Identifying the species is crucial. Recently, council members collaborated with Charlottetown City staff to eliminate wild parsnip from a section of the Confederation Trail near the University of Prince Edward Island following a report from the province’s Forests, Fish, and Wildlife division about its presence.
Wearing full chemical protective suits is imperative due to the plant’s toxic sap during removal efforts. Guindon stressed the importance of clearing wild parsnip from public spaces like trails to prevent inadvertent contact while walking, running, or cycling. The plant, part of the carrot family, is identifiable by its vivid yellow flowers, flat-topped umbrella-shaped flower heads, and grooved bright lime green stem.
Notably, the leaves of wild parsnip are broad with toothlike serrations, appearing mitten-shaped within a compound leaf structure. While resembling Queen Anne’s lace, wild parsnip is larger, less delicate, and features yellow flowers instead of white.
Guindon mentioned that although wild parsnip is currently limited to about 10 locations on P.E.I., it has the potential to spread rapidly, outcompeting native species crucial for local wildlife’s sustenance and shelter. The council urges anyone spotting the plant to reach out via email or Facebook, providing photos, descriptions, and location details for safe removal.
Additionally, Islanders can report wild parsnip sightings through iNaturalist, an app aiding researchers in collecting data for scientific and conservation purposes.