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Identification and control of these poisonous plants, like the strip of Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) -shown above- is a high priority before they set seed this fall
photo c. WDNR ©2013 Elizabeth J. Czarapata |
Learn to recognize poisonous plants invading the Wisconsin landscape
MADISON – Two non-native wild plants that are starting to flower in
Southern Wisconsin can cause serious harm to people who encounter them,
making identification and control of these plants a high priority before
they set seed this fall, according to state invasive species
specialists.
Poison hemlock and wild parsnip are becoming more common along
roadsides and are threatening the integrity of the natural areas as they
encroach, says Kelley Kearns, a native plant ecologist with the
Department of Natural Resource.
“During their flowering stage is the best time to control these plants, specifically by mowing,” Kearns said.
It is said that Greek philosopher Socrates was killed by drinking the
juice of poison hemlock. The sap from the plant contains chemical
compounds known as neurotoxins that can be absorbed through the skin.
The sap of wild parsnip can cause phytophotodermatitis: when skin is
exposed to sap in the presence of sunlight, it can cause severe rashes,
blisters, and discoloration of the skin.
Both of these plants are members of the carrot family, Apiaceae.
“It’s hard to believe that such unforgiving plants are relatives to
some of our most popular garden plants,” Kearns said. “Our edible,
garden-grown carrots, parsnips and parsley are all closely to these
plants.
Distinguishing these species from their many relatives can be
challenging, but Kerns said there area a few defining characteristics
that can help aid in identification:
Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum)
- A defining trait is smooth stems with streaked blotches or purple spots.
- Tiny five-petaled white flowers bloom in umbels.
- Leaves are triangular and broad, but finely divided, giving them a lacy appearance.
Wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)
- Small yellow flowers bloom as flat-topped umbels.
- Leaves are pinnately compound made up of broad, diamond-shaped
leaflets, similar to celery. Kearns said the best time to control these
plants is by mowing them when they are in their flowering stage. The
plants should be mowed after flowering heads appear, but before seed is
produced. Annual mowing treatments will reduce populations over time.
Poison Plant Specifics
- “Due to their toxic chemical constituents, people need to take
precautions when dealing with these plants,” Kearns said. “Avoid any
direct contact to your skin and minimize inhalation of plant residues.
Always wear gloves, long sleeves and pants, as well as safety goggles.”
- For more help with identification and photographs, search the DNR website for poison hemlock or wild parsnip.
- Report occurrences of these species
- DNR invasive species specialists are interested in tracking the
expanding range of these plants across the state. People who see either
of these two species are asked to report them by sending an email. Include the location and photographs of the population.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Kelly Kearns - (608) 267-5066
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Precision Color Graphics is welcomed into Green Tier;
a WDNR program encouraging businesses to voluntarily move beyond
regulatory compliance, to promote superior environmental performance
photo c. Precision Color Graphics ©2013 |
Precision Color Graphics welcomed into Green Tier
FRANKLIN, Wis. – Precision Color Graphics was formally welcomed into
Wisconsin’s innovative environmental Green Tier program today by
Wisconsin’s Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch and Department of Natural
Resources Secretary Cathy Stepp. Attendees at the event also celebrated
PCG’s new patent for its Ecoterah® biodegradable packaging.
“We’re excited to welcome another innovative business into the Green
Tier Program,” Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch said. “We see this DNR
flagship program as a win-win for businesses and the environment in
Wisconsin.”
Precision is a pre-press, printing and packaging company located in
Franklin in southeast Wisconsin. The company employs approximately 40
people.
“We are pleased to have Precision Color Graphics participate in Green
Tier,” DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp said. “This innovative,
sustainably-minded company proves that beneficial solutions that are
good for the environment can also be good for the economy.”
As part of their acceptance into Green Tier, PCG is implementing an
Environmental Management System, or EMS – a “plan-do-check-act” tool
that helps a company understand its environmental impacts. An EMS will
set benchmarks to measure environmental improvements and allow PCG to
monitor its sustainability performance with indicators such as energy
conservation and water run-off control. PCG started a Green Team to
address environmental issues and opportunities. So far the team’s
results benefit both the environment and the bottom-line:
- reduced over-all electrical consumption by switching to more efficient lights and timers;
- reduced amount of garbage going to landfill by 50 percent due to recycling efforts;
- adjusted scheduling to enhance efficiency of machine operations;
- revised delivery schedules and made fleet enhancements to economize fuel use;
- installed a new still which reduced solvent use by 90 percent;
- rely on electronic copies for preliminary proofing rather than hard copies;
- reuse packaging materials that come in with supplies; and
- recycle scrap magnesium.
“We are committed to holding our business to high environmental
standards through waste reduction, lowered energy consumption, and the
production of environmentally friendly packaging,” said John Goeden,
President, PCG.
PCG’s largest environmental effort has been the development and
patenting of Ecoterah™, a compostable packaging that offers several
advantages over petroleum-based plastics. With layers of paper,
corn-based film and adhesives that are biodegradable, it is poised to
help fulfill the increasing demand for green packaging in consumer and
pet food applications.
Future plans include promoting the new Ecoterah® packaging to clients
in hopes of helping them make their products more sustainable. PCG also
plans to improve water quality and waste reduction efforts.
Wisconsin’s Green Tier program encourages businesses to voluntarily
move beyond regulatory compliance in order to promote superior
environmental performance. Precision Color Graphics is participating in
Tier 1 of the program, which is designed to encourage new goal setting
and innovation.
A unique program in the nation, Green Tier provides a range of tools
to create a powerful, sustainable force for economic growth and
environmental health. Green Tier participation has grown throughout
Wisconsin’s business community in recent years as more companies have
found value – and savings – through greater environmental performance.
Additional information about Precision Color Graphics , PCG's admittence into Green Tier, and the Green Tier program can be found by clicking the links.
Read more here:
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
- Pete Wood, DNR - (262) 884-2360
- John Goeden, PCG - (414) 209-0207
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