KEMPTVILLE — Wild parsnips have exploded in population along eastern Ontario roads and those coming in contact with the plant can suffer serious chemical burns and blisters to arms and legs, an OMAFRA crop specialist says.

"Over the last 10 years wild parsnips are all over the roadsides and ditch banks," said OMAFRA crop specialist Gilles Quesnel, based in Kemptville. The plant is a native to eastern Canada and is moving westward. "Eastern Ontario is certainly the hotspot."

The plant grows three to five feet in height and has small lemon-yellow flowers with a green tinge. "I am stunned that so many people don’t recognize this plant." Some people confuse the weed with goldenrod.

Sap from the weed causes a chemical burn on the skin, he said, explaining that the symptoms are often confused with poison ivy because it causes blistering and itchiness. "It’s quite severe."

Once contact is made, wash skin as quickly as possible with soap and water, he added. Keep away from sun exposure for three to five days as the sap reacts to sunlight.

The best way to get rid of the weed is to dig it out of the ground. "People cutting down the weed get the sap on themselves. The sap soaks through clothing. You need to wear gloves and rain pants."

Wild parsnip, which has a parsnip odour, can become a dominant weed in the summer time in areas where perennial grasses are mowed only once or twice annually.