Identifying Invasive Plant Species

Garlic Mustard

Garlic Mustard has been treated in the E1/2 SE1/4 of Section 32 in the Town of Birch, south of Horn Lake Road and results will be monitored. Garlic Mustard plants are dispersed throughout the area, but mostly concentrated along roads and trails.

Two areas of Garlic Mustard in the Underdown Recreation Area parking lot have been sprayed and signed. One campsite has been sprayed and closed for the season.

Garlic Mustard has also been found along the road going into Bluebird Lake off the north end of Horn Lake Road. This area has been sprayed and the road is closed to vehicular traffic to help reduce the chance of spreading the seeds to other portions of the county forest.

Please stay out of areas where garlic mustard or other invasive plants are present to avoid the possibility of spreading these plants to other locations. Report any invasive plants that you find on the county forest to the Lincoln County Forestry Department.

For more information on Garlic Mustard go to dnr.wi.gov/invasives/

Wild Parsnip

Exposure to sap from the wild parsnip plant can result in a condition known as phytophotodermatitis. This happens when juices from broken leaves or stems come in contact with skin and create a hyper-sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in sunburn. Blisters will appear a day or two after sun exposure. The burns appear as streaks and long spots that may discolor the skin dark red or brown. In addition, this sensitivity to the sun could last on the skin for as long as two years.

Wild parsnip burns are often mistakenly diagnosed and treated as poison ivy. The burn from it is generally less irritating than the itching from poison ivy. Discomfort from the burn will only last a day or two.

The best way to prevent exposure is to become familiar with wild parsnip, and wear long sleeves, pants and gloves if you expect to come in contact with the plant. If you are exposed to the plant, wash the area thoroughly to minimize the effects.

Wild parsnip is an extremely invasive plant that quickly takes over and crowds out native plants. The best way to remove it is to pull or dig it up, preferably in the evening after the sun has gone down. Always wear protective clothing when working in or around wild parsnip to prevent contact with the sap or plant parts.

For larger areas, mowing when the plants are in the early flowering stage will reduce seed development. Several herbicides are also effective against wild parsnip. These will also kill other broadleaf plants that they come in contact with, so spot-spraying is preferred unless the infestation is over a wide area.

For more detailed descriptions and photos of invasive species and control recommendations go to: dnr.wi.gov/invasives/