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The edible roots of wild parsnip were consumed in ancient Greece and Rome and cultivars are still grown for food today. The root develops its sweet taste after being exposed to cold. Some people are sensitive to the touch of the leaves and soon develop a rash if their skin contacts the leaves or plant sap in the presence of sunlight. A very painful rash can develop that in some people leaves scars that can persisit for several months or longer. Wild parsnip is most irritating at the time of flowering.
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...a summer stroll could turn into a stay in the hospital if you get your hands on harmless-looking poisonous plants.
One Iowa man is warning about the wild parsnip, a poisonous plant that looks like wildflowers, dill or Queen Anne's Lace.
When Jack Boyt's son got in contact with the plant while mowing, his arms were covered in burns, blisters and welts.
"It was bad, worse than anything he's ever had," Boyt told CBS News.
Wild parsnip originated in Europe where its roots were eaten, according to Iowa State University. It flowers mostly from May through July.
The plant contains a substance called psoralen that when touched and subsequently put under sunlight, could cause a reaction known as "phytophotodermatitis."
That can lead to reddening of the skin, a rash, and blisters, burning and scalding pain.
Dark red or brownish skin discoloration appears where the burn or blisters first formed, and can last for several months.