Wild parsnip is the most vicious of the five invaders. While all five seek to dominate a growth space, wild parsnip can also inflict months of painful recovery time on anyone who comes in contact with it. Many people know the tall yellow flowers should be avoided but the link below says even the green leaves of early growth can inflict the same misery. While the MN DNR is doing a great job of mowing along the Root River State Trail, tall wild parsnip plants on the edge of the mowed area can often be seen reaching into the trail. Bikers riding with exposed skin need to watch for this threat, especially if they’re with children. When meeting people on the trail, we tend to hug the edge of the trail. That is when bikers are most likely to brush against this vicious invader.