Toxic Plant: Will County Forest Preserve Issues Wild Parsnip Warning

WILL COUNTY, IL — The Forest Preserve District of Will County is warning residents to steer clear of the wild parsnip, an invasive plant common in northern Illinois that can cause serious skin reactions. In a YouTube video posted Tuesday, the district offered tips on what to do if you come in contact with the plant — plus some graphic images of the havoc it can wreak. If ingested, the plant can cause digestive tract irritation, but if it comes in contact with skin, it can lead to nasty burns and blisters when combined with sun exposure.

The video advises residents to shower immediately and avoid sunlight if their skin comes into contact with the plant.

Watch "Know the Nasties: Wild Parsnip Edition" for more tips on how to avoid the wild parsnip and what to do if you're exposed to it. (WARNING: The video includes graphic images of skin reactions, blisters and burns).

Image via Patch file