A poisonous plant named Pastinaca sativa is growing throughout the state if Illinois which causes painful blisters and rashes similar to severe burns . Wild parsnip is growing across parts of the Midwest, according to health officials, including Iowa and Illinois.

This plants have lacy, yellow-green heads like the wildflowers and can look harmless.  The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has informed that the plant has an oily sap  which contains psoralen that causes a severe reaction when it comes in contact with the skin , exposed to sunlight.

According to IDNR officials, this plant flowers from May to July, and can grow from 6 inches to 6 feet tall. It is mainly found in roadside ditches, along bike paths and in fields.

Those who come across the plant should strictly avoid using a lawn string trimmer to remove it, as it sprays a high exposure of the toxin after breaking the parsnip tissue. The officials have suggested to wear gloves before removing the plants.

The Residents of Illinois are strictly warned about this plant.

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By Prakriti Neogi