You probably didn’t know this, but every day when you leave your house or apartment you put yourself at risk from local flora. Whether it be on the side of the road, or in a neighbor’s garden, weeds and other plants that can cause you harm seem to grow in the most inconvenient places.
Here are the threats you need to know.
Threat #1: Poison Ivy
Poison Ivy has slightly shiny, dark green leaves, which are usually found in groups of 3 and can be smooth or notched. In the fall they turn red. The plant most commonly grows as a vine but can also be found as a low-growing shrub. And what’s worse, even burning this plant won’t help! The toxins found in the leaves can easily become airborne and make their way into your lungs!
Threat #2: Poison Hemlock
This plant looks like a wild carrot or giant parsley, with stout, smooth stems with distinctive purple spotting, and small, white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters. It is toxic when ingested and contains highly poisonous alkaloid compounds. It typically grows along roads, streams, trails, ditches, forest edges and waste areas.
Threat #3: Poison Sumac
While it’s unlikely you will come into contact with sumac in Indiana, it can be found in swampy, boggy areas and has yellowish flowers that mature into clusters of glossy yellow or off-white berries. The sumac found along the roadside as an ornamental plant is not poisonous. Still, you wouldn’t want to run into this freaky flora!
Although these plants should be avoided, when used properly they can benefit our every day lives. Throughout history, different plants that we would fear to even look at have been used for scientific and medical uses. They have revolutionized human health and changed the way we live every day.
Wouldn’t it be nice to learn more about these plants enjoying your new favorite drink?
Presented in conjunction with Wicked Plants: The Exhibit, After Hours: Whiskeyed Plants brings you face to face with some of the most dangerous plants while sipping on delicious bourbon. On April 19, 2019 between 6-9 p.m., come together with friends to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and solve a mystery in the process. Wicked Plants: The Exhibit leads visitors through a ramshackled Victorian-era home, uncovering secrets and solving a central mystery while learning about the history, science, and legend of various medicinal and poisonous plant life. You have to be over 21 to attend and participate in this event. We are also thrilled to announce that we are partnering with Oakley Brother’s Distillery.
Act fast! If you register before April 18 you will receive a complimentary sample! The cost to attend is $15 and member discounts apply.
At Minnetrista, we treasure shared experiences. From our founders to our visitors, from our employees to our community partners and supporters, we champion the power of growing together. We create experiences that reflect the organization yet anticipate the needs and exceed the expectations of our ever-changing audience. Following in our founders’ footsteps, we care for, preserve and protect that with which we have been entrusted so that those who follow us can continue the legacy. Minnetrista will continue to be a strong and sustainable asset that supports economic development for our community.
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