Council warns of weed with potential to burn

SIGNS warning of a weed that has the potential to burn skin have been posted about Llanelli Millennium Coastal Park and other Carmarthenshire parks.

Wild Parsnip comes into season towards the end of June and grows until September and is prevalent all over the country.

But to avoid injury to young children it is important that parents are aware of it and warn children of the risks of contact with the weed.

County countryside officer Simeon Jones said: “The weed grows extensively on the coast and elsewhere in the county.

“We control it as best we can near Discovery Centre on the North Dock and other locations. We put up signs and let people holding events know of the risks.

“But on mown grass the rosette can evade mower blades and stay close to the ground and people have sat on it inadvertently. We had a case in recent years where a family were affected at the North Dock and historically there was an incident at Pembrey Country park. Neither party had seen the signs and were unaware of the dangers.

“It is impossible to get rid of the weed. It is rampant country-wide like nettles and brambles. But people need to be cautious because humans develop a severe skin irritation from contact with sap from the plant.”

Wild Parsnip plants have chemicals called furocoumarins that cause phyto-photodermatitis, a skin inflammation. The furocoumarins are absorbed by the skin and are energized by UV light on both sunny and cloudy days, destroying cells and skin. Wild Parsnip burns usually occur in streaks and elongated spots, reflecting where a damaged leaf or stem moved across the skin before exposure to sunlight. If the sap gets into the eyes, it may cause temporary or permanent blindness.

During much of July, August and early September wild parsnip is one of the most visible yellow-flowered weeds in roadside ditches, public recreation areas, around sports fields, fence rows, and along railroad tracks.

It is also present on many residential properties throughout the county. Information to assist in identifying wild parsnip can be found on the online weed identification service at www.weedinfo.ca.

How To Avoid Wild Parsnip Burns

1. Become familiar with the wild parsnip plant and know it by sight.

2. Teach children to recognize wild parsnip.

3. Teach children at an early age of the potential danger of poisonous plants

4. Discourage children from picking wild flowers.

5. When working around wild parsnip wear protective clothing.

CAPTION: WEED WARNING: MCP Ranger Simeon Jones putting up signs about Llanelli North Dock warning of the dangers of Wild Parsnip and indicating how innocuous the plant with a burning reputation looks. Pix Ron Cant