Landscaping crews in Iowa are starting to do battle with noxious weeds including wild parsnip, thistles, and teasel.
Crews employed by the Iowa Department of Transportation have been putting down weed-killer wherever the plants might take hold.
Bob Younie of the Iowa DOT says crews have good luck killing these weeds during this time of year, when the weeds are just getting started, and doing another application in the fall.
He says they like to tackle them now, before the weeds get too big and start causing a lot of problems. DOT crews are focusing on state right-of-way areas.
Skin contact with wild parsnip will result in a nasty rash and blisters.
List of USDA's designated noxious weeds click HERE