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Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Don't touch that plant. 6 vines, bushes, shrubs to avoid this summer in Michigan
If you're heading outdoors this summer, it pays to know the difference between poison ivy, poison oak and other rash-producing plants that will leave you itching and scratching — or worse. Most Michiganders are familiar with poison ivy in its various forms, but plants such as poison sumac grow in swampy areas, and invasive giant hogweed and wild parsnip can cause more significant, long-lasting health problems, according to state's Invasive Species Program. "It can be difficult to determine whether you're looking at hogweed, hemlock or parsnip, but all of these plants have several things in common: contact may cause unpleasant, potentially deadly, reactions," the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said. Poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak can cause a red, bumpy rash from its transferred oils called urushiol. Ingesting other native Michigan plants, the nightshade plant for example, can be deadly in small doses, according to Michigan State University's Extension. As residents explore the outdoors, here are six poisonous or toxic plants to identify and avoid: The plants may be identifiable by their large size — they can grow up to 14 feet tall. Hogweed is native to Asia and typically grows in open areas, but can be spotted in various habitats, according to Michigan's Invasive Species Program, a joint effort of the departments of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; Natural Resources; and Agriculture and Rural Development. Hodgweed is an invasive species in Michigan, but has become established in the state, the website notes. The plants contain toxins called furanocoumarins. These are mostly found in the sap as well as throughout the plant's tissues, according to WebMD. If you come in contact with the plant's sap, it can cause an allergic reaction called photo dermatitis or photo sensitivity: Your skin becomes sensitive to sunlight and may blister when exposed to light. WebMD says you can develop symptoms in as little as 15 minutes. Severe cases can cause scarring for up to six years. Getting the sap in your eyes can cause permanent blindness. "The toxin is most problematic if it gets into your eyes. Immediately wash your eyes for 15 minutes straight if you think that they've been exposed," WebMD says. Here's how to identify: White flowers in an umbrella-shaped cluster up to 2.5 feet across. Plant is 7 to 14 feet tall. Stems are green with purple splotches and visible, coarse, white hairs. Leaves are up to 5 feet wide, lobed and deeply incised. In Michigan, there are two types of poison ivy growing throughout yards and forests: eastern poison ivy, which grows throughout the Lower Peninsula, and western poison ivy, which grows mostly in northern areas, including the Upper Peninsula, according to Michigan State University's Extension. All poison ivy contains an oil called urushiol in the leaves, stems and roots of the plant, the Mayo Clinic said. When touched, the oil creates an allergic reactions in the form of a red rash. All poison ivy (western and eastern species) has certain qualities, MSU Extension and the American Museum of Natural History say, including: The stalk of the middle leaflet is much longer than the stalks of the two side leaflets. Surface of the leaves can be glossy or dull. There are three leaflets, and the edges can be smooth or coarsely toothed. Some have a prominent "thumb-like" lobe. The leaf arrangement alternates. In the fall, leaves turn turn red with some yellow. Greenish flowers appear with five petals about 3 millimeters in diameter. Flowers appear in loose branching clusters and arise from where the branch or leaf attaches to the stem. Berries/fruits appear in loose drooping clusters and contain a single seed, and are hard and whitish. Western poison ivy grows upright and does not have aerial roots. The plants grow in patches on the ground. Eastern poison ivy grows as either a plant on the ground or as a vine on trees or buildings with aerial roots to secure itself around trees or other objects. Poison oak is a relative to poison ivy that contains the same oils and is extremely common in California. There are two types of poison oak plants, Pacific poison oak and Atlantic poison oak. Pacific poison oak grows in the western U.S. in a wide range of habitats ranging from grasslands to forests. Atlantic poison oak grows in southeastern U.S. and is usually found in open woodlands and sandy thickets. Neither type typically grows in Michigan. Poison oak's leaves resemble an oak leaf, but at times have jagged edges, according to the Santa Lucia Conservancy, based in Carmel, California. Like poison ivy, its leaves have a alternate leaf pattern. It can grow as a shrub, bush or vine. In the spring, poison oak's leaves appear shiny with reddish or green colors that can curl inward. As the plant grows, the leaves increase in size and are bright to dark green. In late spring they bloom small, star-shaped, yellow flowers in clusters on its stem. Like giant hogwood, wild parsnip is an invasive species in Michigan and has been detected in the state, according to Michigan's Invasive Species Program. The plant is a flowering herb that grows up to 5 feet tall with yellow-to-green flowers shaped like umbrellas that grow in clusters. It has toothed leaves with leaflets that grow across from each other from the smooth, green stem. The flowers bloom in June and July. When touched the plant's harmful chemicals can cause a rash and blisters, and can cause the infected area to become sensitive to sunlight. "Wild parsnip spreads aggressively through seeds carried by wind, water and equipment. Stem, leaves, and flowers contain chemicals that can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and cause severe rash or blistering. Plant chemicals are known to reduce weight gain and fertility in livestock that eat wild parsnip," according to the invasive species website. If you find wild parsnip growing in Michigan, state officials urge you to report the sighting through the Invasive Species Information Network online reporting tool. A relative to poison ivy, poison sumac is a flowering shrub or woody plant that contains the same oil. However, it is considered more allergenic, causing a very inflamed, painful and itchy rash. Poison sumac has alternate compound leaves with pointed, shiny leaflets and a red stem. The woody plant grows to 15 feet tall and has bark that is a dull gray. Sumac has a red stem sprouting from a grey bark stem. In June, clusters of small, green flowers bloom, based on MSU's Department of Entomology. Poison sumac is typically found in fens and indicates wet soil, MSU said. It can be found in swampy areas throughout most of the Lower Peninsula. Poison hemlock can be extremely poisonous to animals and humans if ingested. All parts of the plant are poisonous and made up of toxic compounds called "conine, g-coniceine and related piperidine alkaloids," according to the U.S. Agricultural Research Service. This plant is also referred to as deadly hemlock, poison parsley, spotted hemlock, European hemlock, and California or Nebraska fern. It blooms in the spring (when they are particularly toxic) throughout the U.S. Here are some ways to identify the plant: White flowers that grow in small erect clusters — each flower develops into a green fruit with seeds. Grows along fence lines, in irrigation ditches, and in other moist waste places. Leaves are delicate, like parsley, and have a white taproot — the main root of the plant. Can grow to be 6.5 to almost 10 feet tall. Hollow stem usually marked with small purple spots. Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@ This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Poisonous plants in Michigan: Hogweed, poison ivy, sumac, more
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Colorado cactus removed from endangered species list after nearly 50 years
DENVER (KDVR) — A cactus in Colorado is recovering, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service was able to take it off the endangered species list after it was considered a federally threatened species for nearly 50 years. The Colorado hookless cactus is a small, barrel-shaped cactus with pink flowers that bloom in late April and early May. It is usually found around the Gunnison River basins and canyons in western Colorado. While these cacti are usually found in Colorado — they thrive in semi-arid, high-elevation desert environments — there wasn't exactly a surplus in the state. Bobcat suprises deputies after sneaking into Ken Caryl home Since 1979, the service said it was federally listed as a threatened species. That is, until the service announced on Wednesday that it had removed the cactus from the federal list of endangered and threatened plants due to its recovery. The service said threats to the cactus were eliminated or reduced, and the species no longer meets the definition of a threatened or endangered species. Recent scientific data also shows the species is 'more abundant than previously known at the time of listing.' Fact or Myth? Common thunder and lightning phrases you may still believe 'This decision is based on the best available scientific and commercial information and reflects ongoing conservation efforts and improved scientific data on the species,' the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said in a press release. The service said this is thanks to the help of the recovery partners, which include the Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado Natural Heritage Program and the Denver Botanic Gardens. While the species is no longer considered threatened or endangered, the service said it will continue to work with partners to monitor the species' long-term stability. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Six of the ‘world's most endangered' wolves are born at TN zoo. See them snuggle
Six of the 'world's most endangered' wolves were born in Tennessee, bringing renewed hope for their species. An adorable video posted on Facebook shows the red wolf pups snuggling after making their debut at Zoo Knoxville. 'There are only about 20 red wolves known to remain in the wild, and fewer than 300 in managed care,' Terry Cannon, curator of carnivores and Kids Cove at the zoo, said in a May 8 news release. 'Every birth is critical. These pups are part of the future of the species.' The little ones were born to mom Cirilla and dad Buckeye. The two were paired together to try to 'ensure genetic diversity among the small population of red wolves remaining,' according to the wildlife park. Red wolves, which can grow to be about 80 pounds, have been called the most endangered wolf species on Earth. They once lived across parts of the southern and eastern United States but nearly disappeared at one point, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 'After being declared extinct in the wild in the 1980s due to habitat loss and hunting, they were reintroduced in limited numbers in North Carolina,' the zoo wrote. 'Despite decades of conservation efforts, red wolves remain critically endangered, facing ongoing threats and confusion with coyotes in the wild.' As part of the zoo's effort to protect the rare species, it welcomed its litter of pups on Earth Day, April 22. The video shared on social media showed the newborns getting their medical checkups, and some Facebook users said they couldn't get enough of the cuteness. 'The pups were closely monitored during their first week to ensure healthy development and weight gain, but now the animal care team is stepping back to let the parents raise them,' the zoo wrote. 'Cirilla, who had one previous litter before coming to Zoo Knoxville, has shown strong maternal instincts.' As of May 8, zoo visitors aren't yet able to see the babies in person. 'They're currently living in the wolf dens under the care of both mom and dad,' JJ Jones, media manager for the zoo, told McClatchy News via email. 'They're still quite small and have just started to open their eyes, so they're not visible to the public at this time. We have six pups in total — three boys and three girls. They have not been named yet, and it's still too early to share any insight into their individual personalities.'
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists haven't seen this Michigan plant in years. What to know about monkeyflower
This spring, keep an eye out for endangered Michigan monkeyflowers — rare, aquatic wildflowers — if you're heading to northern Michigan. Michigan's only fully endemic, or native, plant, the Michigan monkeyflower is a federally recognized endangered species, according to Michigan State University Extension. Limited numbers of the plant, a member of the figwort family, have been reported in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula and southern Upper Peninsula in recent years. Here's what to know. What is the Michigan monkeyflower? The Michigan monkeyflower is an aquatic to semi-aquatic wildflower, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. When does the Michigan monkeyflower bloom? The perennial typically flowers between mid-June and August and sometimes lasts until October, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service says. A monkeyflower plant in bloom. Where has monkeyflower been found in Michigan? The Michigan monkeyflower is only found in northern Michigan, around the Straits of Mackinac and Grand Traverse areas along the Great Lakes shorelines, said the Michigan Natural Features Inventory of Michigan State University Extension. In the Lower Peninsula, Leelanau County along Lake Michigan in the northwest, there were three reported occurrences of plants, with the plant last observed in 2022. Nearby Benzie County has one reported occurrence, last observed in 2018. Farther north, Charlevoix County reported five occurrences, last observed in 2023. The nearby Emmet County saw four occurrences, with the plant last observed in 2022. Adjacent to the east, Cheboygan County had five occurrences, last observed in 2022. In the Upper Peninsula, Mackinac County reported four occurrences, with the plant last observed in 2023. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed, the MSU Extension said. A 2012 report from the USFWS found the plant growing in 23 sites. What does the Michigan monkeyflower look like? The Michigan monkeyflower has rounded, opposite leaves with course and toothed edges, and tubular flowers with yellow petals and a red-spotted lower lip, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service said. Dark green shaded areas show where Michigan monkeyflower has been located. In what habitat does the Michigan monkeyflower grow? The aquatic to semi-aquatic plant lives in cold, calcareous (containing calcium carbonate or chalky) springs, seeps and streams water among northern white-cedar trees and at the base of bluffs near the Great Lakes shorelines, MSU Extension said. The Michigan monkeyflower grows in sand and mucky soil amid cold, flowing spring water, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website says. More: It's tulip time in Holland. What to know before you visit How did the Michigan monkeyflower become endangered? The Michigan monkeyflower is a federally recognized endangered plant species in the U.S., according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. The plant joined the federal list of endangered species in 1990, the University of Michigan Herbarium said. Threats to the Michigan monkeyflower include road construction and development that could disrupt the plant's habitat, the Michigan Nature Association said. Other threats include groundwater pumping, diversion, storms and high lake levels, iNaturalist noted. The Michigan monkeyflower's small population and many of the plants being on private property can complicate conservation efforts, the Michigan Nature Association said. In addition to Michigan and U.S. designations, the plant's global rank is critically imperiled. Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@ This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Monkeyflower is endangered. Where it might be found in 2025
Yahoo
28-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Viral Eaglets Growing Up on Live Cam Die From 90-Foot Fall After Storm Blows Nest Off Tree
Three young eaglets died after their nest at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center was blown out of its tree amid severe storms The 22-year-old nest in West Virginia has attracted attention online since 2005, when a live cam was installed so that people could see the bald eagles in their natural habitat While all three baby eagles died, their parents survived and have been seen at a secondary nest in the same tree Three baby bald eagles that developed a devoted following online died when their nest was knocked out of a tree amid severe storms. The eaglets were born in a 22-year-old nest in a tree at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. In 2005, a camera facing the nest was installed so that people could watch the bald eagles in their natural habitat. The camera allowed animal lovers to watch the baby eagles, born in spring 2025 to parents Bella and Scout, hatch and grow before their deaths. On April 19, while severe storms passed through West Virginia, the eagle family's nest was blown to the ground and destroyed, with the eaglets still inside. The National Training Conservation Center shared the sad news on Facebook. "After 22 years, the bald eagle's nest at the USFWS National Conservation Training Center is gone," the center wrote. Related: Beloved Bald Eagle Couple Welcomes 2 Chicks While Fans Watch Livestreamed Births The post continued: "Sadly, none of the three eaglets survived the 90 ft. fall. They were four weeks old. Fortunately, both adult eagles appear to be ok and have been seen flying and perching in the nest tree." In a live-streamed Q&A on YouTube, the following week, a team member from the center, Randy Robertson, shared that eagle mom Bella was in the nest when it was blown over and only managed to escape "at really the last microsecond." He noted Bella could have been seriously injured had she not gotten away. Unfortunately, flying out of the nest was not an option for the baby eagles. Robertson explained that an eaglet begins to fly around 12 weeks into its life. While the storms destroyed the original nest, the eagle parents had begun building a secondary nest in the same tree in 2024. "This new nest is in a very strong section of the tree and has minimal damage. We are hopeful the eagle pair will use this new nest to raise their young next season," the center wrote on Facebook. The facility later confirmed that Bella and Scout "returned to the lower nest" and "started fixing the nest after the big windstorm last weekend." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Related: The Bald Eagle Has Officially Been Named the National Bird of the United States "Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your kind words and support during this difficult time. Your love and condolences mean so much to us as we all grieve the loss of our sweet beloved eaglets and their nest," the center added on Facebook. Dedicated followers rushed to the comments section to react to the news, with some noting that they had a history with the now destroyed in the decades old nest, which housed numerous eagles over the years. "I have watched this nest for 10 years or more now. I am so devastated by what happened, and my heart hurts for Bella, Scout, and the fallen angels," one person wrote. "To watch an eagle family daily, unite, grow, and bond is a blessing in itself. But to witness such a horrific event and in an instant see how this family was ripped apart is heartbreaking." They continued, writing, "To most people, they are just birds, wildlife, you laugh and say…. things happen. To the Eagle community who have been there day in and day out, night after night, these beautiful creatures were part of our everyday lives." Read the original article on People
