Wild parsnip continues to be a problem in some Steinbach parks

Toxic wild plants are growing along some walking paths in Steinbach and the city is working to get rid of them. 

Wild parsnip looks like dill that grows in gardens, but it produces sap containing chemicals that can irritate the skin. 

Russ Dyck, manager of the city’s Parks and Rec. Department, says they have been working to get rid of this invasive and toxic plant for the past few years. 

While they are noticing some success, there are still some clusters of wild parsnip growing in local parks. 

“We have found some in bushy areas along the pathways, specifically near the pond at A.D. Penner Park and in the trail running through Bush Farm Park near the soccer park,” he says. “It is something that people should try and stay away from. We do have some signage posted there just to let people know what to be aware of, and we're trying to eradicate it as best as we can. We've hired our weed control contract through the last couple of years to spray that with some success, which is good, but we have found a little bit more this year. So, we'll be looking to take care of that.”

Caution signs are posted in some parks in Steinbach, advising people of the toxic plant.

Wild parsnip grows in the wild and plants get up to 1.5 meters tall. While the roots are edible, the sap can cause serious skin problems. 

“It looks like dill you might throw in your garden, just an oversized plant,” says Dyck. “But it is something that people should probably should not be touching as it can cause some burns or a rash, and some people may react to it more than others. But it is something that people should really stay away from the terms of touching it.”  

Due to the toxicity of the plant, Dyck says it makes more sense to hire a crew trained in getting rid of wild parsnip. 

“We could cut it but that doesn’t get rid of it, and it does create a risk for our staff if they're handling this stuff. So, we found the best way to eradicate it is to actually get it sprayed and kill the plant versus trying to handle it.” 

He also cautions pedestrians to make sure pets are leashed at all times. This is a city requirement and Dyck says it gives a person better control to keep their pets out of toxic wild plants in our parks.