The City of Estevan is warning residents about a small patch of wild parsnip found growing in the Pleasantdale Valley close to McCormick Crescent.

"It's only a small patch, maybe 40 plants if that," shared Estevan's Parks and Facility Manager, Rod March. "It was caught good and early before it got to the seed stage. All the plants have been treated with a herbicide. And what we're going to do to make sure the seeds can't reproduce, we're going to remove the seed on Thursday once the plants are good and dead."

March added that they can't simply cut down the plants before they are dead, as the sap can cause burns.

"There are toxins in the sap both the stem and the flowers and that is the danger with that. I wouldn't call it extremely dangerous it's just that some people develop rashes and blisters when they touch the plant and get the sap of the plant on themselves and when they're exposed to the sun then they could develop blisters. I equate it something similar to stinging nettle."

"Once they are dead and dry, we can just remove the flowers and make 100% sure that that seed cannot find its way and germinate. But we got it early enough, it's just in the flower-stage so it should be fine."

He added that since the plant only reproduces by the seed itself and not through the roots, they can control them fairly easily.

"The fact that we got it early and we take away that seed source, it should be a fairly successful eradication of this particular noxious weed."

March added they are also keeping an eye on several different types of thistle in the valley as well.

If you see wild parsnip, don't touch it, and call the Parks Division (306) 634-1880.  

READ MORE: Dealing With Wild Parsnip A Pain in More Ways Than One