Cow Parsnip.



This is the poison oak equivalent in Alaska. We don't have poison oak or ivy, but we do have cow parsnip. It is a large-leafed plant that can cause blisters wherever the juice from the stock contacts skin. Each summer I participate in the Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, which is mostly run on roads lined with cow parsnip. Runners who were over-enthusiastic in their water drinking prior to the race come darting out of the woods all along the course from their pit stops. Most are from out-of-state. I always wonder how many go home from their trip here with blister on their backside. The good feature of cow parsnip is that in the fall the stalks dry out and make excellent swords for our son to play with.