A warning has been issued that some plants blooming thickly along summer roads and vacant lots are highly toxic and dangerous to touch carelessly. Some species are potent enough that mere skin contact can cause blisters or burn-like symptoms.

Experts urge people not to approach and touch showy flowers or lush leaves out of curiosity, and parents to keep children from picking flowers or touching stems.

If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with running water at once, avoid sun exposure, and seek care if symptoms are severe, since some toxic plants react with sunlight to worsen symptoms.

As urban greenery and trails expand, residents encounter wild plants more often, prompting calls for signage and removal work by local authorities.

We deliver seasonal safety information to Chinese households too, recommending the basic rule: 'do not touch unknown plants.'