- Trace three historical uses of poisonous plants. Name the two compounds most often found in poisonous plants.
- Describe the connection between poison hemlock and one particular ancient Greek. How does poison hemlock affect the body?
- What poisonous compounds are found in Milkweed? Which butterfly larvae can eat milkweed and why is this important to the butterfly?
- Which parts of oleanders and yews are poisonous? Which part of the yew is not poisonous? Where are both of these plants most often found?
- Which parts of the rhododendron and azalea are poisonous? Name the poison in both plants. Historically, how did the Delaware Indians use a relative of these plants?
- Which family is the major source of alkaloids? What was the original use of mescal bean by Native Americans and why can it be dangerous?
- List the common name for three spring plants that are poisonous.
- What family does Poinsettia belong to and what makes the plant harmful?
- Name the toxin in the castor bean plant, where it is found and its effects on us. Use the Internet to find an incident that involved the castor bean plants toxin.
- Why are the aroids a problem? What substance do they have in common and what are its effects on humans? Name 2 aroids found in the home.
- How was white snakeroot a problem for early settlers?
- How does locoweed (Jimson weed) and Indian hellebore affect animals that eat it?
- Describe the ways plants cause mechanical injuries. Describe glochids and why they are a problem. Which group of plants causes the most mechanical injuries?
- How do stinging hairs cause a problem for us? Give an example.
- What substance is released by St John’s Wort and the members of the Euphorbiacae family?
- Describe the uses of 3 natural insecticides, Pyrethrum, Rotenone, and Neem.
- What are allergies? What are the 2 most common respiratory allergies?
- Name the most notorious plant that causes Hay fever. Where is the plant found? How much pollen can each plant release? What does its name mean in Greek?
- Name the source of pollen for spring, early summer and fall hay fever. Give two examples for each type.
- Define contact dermatitis, which plant is its most common cause? What does the plant release? In what ways can you pick up this substance?
- What symptoms can you experience from food allergies? Name 5 common allergenic plant based foods.
