Wis. DNR: Watch for invasive Japanese hedgeparsley

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin wildlife officials are urging landowners to be on the lookout for an invasive plant known as Japanese hedgeparsley.

Department of Natural Resources plant specialists say the plant was first reported in Wisconsin in 1976. It has spread across southern Wisconsin over the last decade and has been found as far north as Portage County.

The plant is a member of the carrot family and has fern-like leaves and small white flowers that develop into small seeds with burrs that catch on fur and clothing.

The DNR urges landowners to pull small patches of the plants. If the plants are already flowering or have seeds people should burn them or bag them with the trash.