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Conservation, Education & Community Interaction since 1977
WETLAND WARNING
Let's learn about some dangerous plants that can cause irritation to your skin!
Queen Anne's Lace
Queen Anne’s Lace is a beautiful flowering plant that grows in abundance around wetland regions. Although this flower has been picked and used as decorations for years and years, it poses a risk due to it’s many poisonous look-alikes. Two of the most common and most toxic are Giant Hogweed and Poison hemlock. Though it can be quite difficult to distinguish between these plants without any practice, there are some key differences that anyone can spot. Primarily, the size of the plant is going to tell you whether it should be avoided. Both Giant Hogweed and Poison hemlock can grow 8-12 feet in height compared to the average 4-5 foot height seen in Queen Anne’s lace.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle can grow to about 2 meters tall and can spread over the forest floor to form dense clusters. The leaves and stem are covered with small stinging hairs that cause an itchy burning rash when brushed against. Both humans and animals are effected by this rash. Due to the density of the clusters, it is important to demonstrate extreme caution when adventuring through the woods and wetlands with children and or dogs.
WARNING: The toxic plants discussed above can all cause irritation and rashes that resemble the one on the right. Explore with caution, and practice the identification of these plants.
