Warning on wild parsnip in Carmarthenshire
Wild or cow parsnip prevalent in Carmarthenshire parks is a natural hazard of the all hedgerows, countryside pastures and open developed areas. At the Discovery Centre on Llanelli’s North Dock warning notices of its presence have been posted and there are a further 10 notices at entrances to the Millennium Coastal Park with pictures of the weed. At this time of the year, county countryside officer Simeon Jones advises people should be cautious of nettles, broom, blackberry and dewberry bramble, hogweed and ragwort as well as wild parsnip all of which exist in open spaces and can cause similar problems. Wild parsnip causes a non-allergic dermatitis that can occur with the right combination of plant juice and sunlight. You can touch and brush against the plant - carefully - without harm, unlike stinging nettles. Wild parsnip is only a risk when its sap gets on skin from broken leaves or stems. Fair-skinned may be extra-sensitive to tiny amounts of sap. The florets of the plant can su...