Dangerous plant/weeds are growing in our neighborhood. They are around my house and probably all over. Watch out *especially* when weedeating. Unlike Poison Ivy, you can brush against these plants and be ok. The blisters and rash isn't caused by an immune response. Its not dangerous unless the shoots, stems, or leaves are broken. The plant's fluid damages your skin cells by causing them to be extremely sensitive to sunlight.
YOU WILL BURN SEVERELY. (The reaction is called phytophotodermatitis) We just wanted to get the word out. Be careful!
Google "wild parnip" or "giant hogweed" for more information. Look carefully at what it looks like and wear protective clothing when removing any plant in the parsnip family. For gardeners out there, this also applies to the garden varieties of parsnip too. You can also do a google image search for "parsnip burn" or "parsnip rash" for images of what it can do to you. If you come into contact with broken leaves, stems, or shoots of the parsnip or hogweed plant, wash immediately and retreat inside, out of the sun.
Playground workday Saturday, August 27, 2011
8 a.m.
If possible, please bring rake, pitchfork, weedeater, etc Snacks & water provided for volunteers.
