[SYSTEM WARNING: ⚠️ CHEMICAL HAZARD DETECTED]
Specimen: Pastinaca sativa. Identification: The Saboteur. Status: TOXIC SAP / EDIBLE ROOT. Hazard: Photosensitive Chemical Burns (Phytophototoxicity). OVERVIEW: Wild Parsnip is a master of deception. While its root is a high-calorie survival resource identical to the grocery store parsnip, its sap is a weaponized irritant. When exposed to UV light, it causes “blindness” in skin cells, leading to massive, painful blistering.
FIELD IDENTIFICATION: THE TRIAD CLEARANCE
To clear this specimen for “The Grave” (exclusion) or harvest, you must verify the Three-Point Clearance. Because this plant defends itself with chemical warfare, accidental contact during identification must be avoided.
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THE STEM (The “Celery” Ridges): Inspect the stalk without making skin contact. The stem is yellowish-green, stout, and deeply grooved or ridged, mimicking the texture of celery. Unlike the “Assassins” (Hemlocks), it is entirely hairless.
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THE LEAF ARCHITECTURE: Look for compound, “pinched” leaves featuring 5 to 15 leaflets. They are yellowish-green, coarsely saw-toothed, and shaped like oversized celery leaves. This differentiates it from the lacy “White Lace” quadrant.
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THE FLOWER SHIELD: In mid-to-late summer, identify the vibrant vibrant yellow umbels (flat-topped clusters). These clusters typically reach 3 to 8 inches across and act as a bright warning beacon in sun-drenched sectors.
WASTELAND UTILIZATION: THE SAP PRICE
NUTRITIONAL HISTORY: Before the potato, this was a primary survival calorie source in Europe. The root is high in starch and sugars; historical records suggest the flavor improves after a hard frost.
- Harvest Protocol: The root is the prize, but harvesting must occur during the first year (basal rosette stage) before the flower stalk emerges.
- Night Collection: Mandatory protocol to mitigate the risk of UV-triggered chemical reactions.
- Storage: Roots store well in cool, damp “root cellar” conditions for 4–6 months. In the bunker, keep in buckets of sand to maintain moisture.
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Bunker Advisory: The Saboteur’s Burn |
- NIGHT HARVEST ONLY: The sap contains furanocoumarins. If you must harvest for calories, do it after sundown to prevent the chemical “skin blindness” triggered by UV.
- UV SHIELD: If contact occurs, cover the area immediately with a dark, opaque cloth. Do not expose to light. Wash in total darkness with heavy soap.
- BLINDNESS RISK: Sap contact with the eyes followed by sun exposure can cause permanent blindness. Eye protection is mandatory during “Border Guard” maintenance.
⚠️ NAME CONFUSION PROTOCOL: GOLDEN ALEXANDERS
In early spring, “The Saboteur” is often confused with the native Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea). Misidentification leads to severe injury.
- Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa): Grooved/ridged stem; leaves like coarse celery; sap causes chemical burns; blooms mid-to-late summer.
- Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea): Smooth, round stem; triple-compound leaves (divided in threes); non-toxic and safe to handle; blooms early spring.
BUNKER CLEARANCE:
Survival Value: High. Provides a reliable, calorie-dense taproot requiring zero input. It is a “Border Guard” plant; its presence along a fence line acts as a natural deterrent to intruders. Handle only with MOPP-style protection—gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection. KNF7 and the Bunker Archives are not responsible for misidentification.
SYSTEM NOTICE: ARCHIVAL SAFETY DATA
Historical documentation of plant use, not medical guidance. In the event of suspected ingestion or chemical burn, immediate professional medical intervention is the only viable protocol. No medical claims made.