Wild parsnip is a common weed in eastern Ontario, and is spreading in many other parts of the province. It is a biennial or short-lived perennial. While wild parsnip does not have the notoriety of giant hogweed, its sap does contain some of the same chemicals (furanocoumarins). When these compounds come in contact with the skin, they cause severe burn-like rashes and/or blisters. Wild parsnip occurs mainly on roadsides, fencerows, pastures, and to a lesser extent, on the edges of cropped fields.