This Plant is Growing all Around Rochester – Do NOT Touch It!

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning people about wild parsnip. The picture above shows what it looks like when it's just starting to grow and what it looks like when it's full grown. The plant grows to be about 4 feet tall and has yellow flowers.

It's found all around southeastern Minnesota and northeastern Iowa. Avoid contact with it unless you enjoy rashes and blisters! The Minnesota DNR warns that "the juice from the plant in the presence of sunlight will cause a rash, blistering, and discoloration of the skin." The Minnesota Poison Center says exposure to wild parsnip can cause years of photo-sensitivity to sunlight.

If you have some wild parsnip located on your property and want to remove it, wear long sleeves and gloves and pull it from the root.  Do not allow it to come into contact with your skin. If you do come in to contact with the plant wash your skin immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.