The Daily Journal is reporting that wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is an up-and-coming plant invader in the state of Minnesota. While no one was paying much attention, it managed to work its way into the landscape, and now it is popping up along roadsides in such numbers that biologists across the state are fielding calls about it.
Wild parsnip is in the carrot family, and is kind of like a kid brother of the related Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Unfortunately, while it is of much smaller stature, it still packs that poisonous punch of a nasty sap that blisters the skin when exposed to sunlight. Yech.
Bonus points to the Daily Journal for using the plant's scientific name.
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