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Noxious Weed Alert In Washington Co.

STILLWATER, Minn. (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is warning of noxious weeds in Washington County.

According to the department, residents there should be on the lookout for Grecian foxglove, a perennial that produces stalks with white, tubular flowers flecked with brown and purple markings inside.

The agriculture department says the plant, though containing chemicals that can be used in medicines to prevent heart failure, can be fatal to animals if ingested.

Human exposure to the plant can also be dangerous. Prolonged exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting and severe headache.

The department stressed that potential infestations can occur in sunny areas, such as residential yards and grasslands.

Minnesota statues require the weed be destroyed, as it's on the state's eradicate list. The state recommends residents control populations by applying herbicide to the spring and fall rosettes.

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