The County of Renfrew says it is doing all it can to reduce the hazards surrounding wild parsnip.
The invasive species is common, according to the County, but it also poses a health risk to people. The plant’s sap can cause skin and eye irritation, but also can cause long term skin scarring. This is because sap-covered skin is prone to blistering and burning when exposed to the sun.
The County says to be on the lookout for the plant, as avoiding it is the best way to protect yourself. The plant can be spotted by its yellow flowers, leaves similar to celery leaves, and multi-branched stalks.
The County’s Area Weed Inspector Jason Davis says staff are responding to reports of wild parsnip, and are actively mapping where the plants are growing on County-owned property.