Invasive Plant Alert – Wild Parsnips (Poison Parsnips)  It is time to aggressively take steps to eliminate wild parsnips if you have them invading your land. or public roadways or public land.  This plant displaces native plants and it is dangerous to human beings since sap from the plant that comes into contact with exposed skin can cause severe chemical burns and rashes.

Some people advocate for pulling or digging out wild parsnips.  If you choose this method – BE CAREFUL to avoid contact with exposed skin.  This method seems best suited to situations where you only have a handful of wild parsnips to kill.  If you have large numbers of wild parsnips invading your land, or public property near your property, the most effective way to kill them (now before they make more seed) may be by spraying them with clopyralid herbicide, also known as Stinger or Transline.

Do not wait to take action.  Poison Parsnips are now making stalks which will support seed heads.  Stinger and Transline herbicides are generally available at farm cooperatives such as Central Farm Service or Castle Rock Elevator (locally here in Northfield) or farm supply outlets near you probably also carry these herbicides,

Areas where I noticed Wild Parsnips (Poison Parsnips) last year at this same time and sprayed at this same stage of development now show far less plants this early summer.  For increased effectiveness, I tank mixed the Stinger or Transline herbicide with triclopyr, also known as Garlon.  A simple way to obtain triclopyr is to purchase the garden center product called Chickweed and Oxalis killer.

If you wait to take action against Wild Parsnips (Poison Parsnips) the amount of new seed produced will be huge, and the problems in future years will be worse.  Where Wild Parsnips exist on public lands and roadways, please ask your public officials to halt the spread of this very nasty invasive weed.