Be aware of what the harmful plants look like
Wild Parsnip and Cow Parsnip are a growing concern across Ontario and can pose a health risk to people and their pets.
They look like colourful wildflowers but are actually toxic plants. The plant sap contains chemicals that may cause skin and eye irritation and make the skin prone to severe burning and blistering when exposed to the sun. Symptoms typically occur within 48 hours and consist of painful blisters. Purplish scars may form that last for many years.
Wild Parsnip and Cow Parsnip are currently flowering in Ontario, including in local areas. Do not touch or pick the flowers from these plants. Please warn your children to not touch the flowers.
The best way to avoid contact is to become familiar with what the plants look like and ensure that you, your children and pets avoid the plants.
Wild Parsnip is a tall plant that has yellow flowers and will only grow from 0.5 to 1.5 metres (1.5 to five feet).
Cow Parsnip is also a tall plant that has larger white flowers. They are mainly found along the edges of parks, open spaces, trails and roadsides. Growth of the plants begin in the spring and lasts through early autumn.