有毒的植物 are plants that produce toxins that deter herbivores from consuming them. 有些植物有物理防御，比如刺, 刺, 和刺, but by far the most common type of protection is chemical.
Many of the known plant defense compounds primarily defend against consumption by insects, 尽管其他动物, 包括人类, that consume such plants may also experience negative effects, 从轻微的不适到死亡.
Toxic and noxious weeds have characteristics that make them very good at taking over pastures and other areas: they are highly aggressive, 产生大量的种子或繁殖体, 并且能够超越本土企业, 饲料, 或者农作物. Prevention, of course, is always the best route to take if possible. 请看看这个 指南 to learn how to identify 华盛顿’s most common toxic weeds for livestock and learn steps to keep your animals healthy.
处理有毒植物的最好方法, 本地的或非本地的, is to prevent exposure to them using these common-sense tips:
1. 了解你的植物: know which plants are harmful so you can avoid them and minimize your exposure.
2. 不要吃不知名的植物: Never eat a plant or berry unless you can positively identify it as being safe to consume.
3. 着装适当: 穿长裤, 长袖, and gloves when around or removing toxic plants to minimize contact with skin.
4. 洗干净你的手和衣服; when you encounter an unknown plant and possibly harmful plant you should wash you hands and the clothing that came into contact with the plant.
5. 小心你的宠物: pets can carry the oils of poisonous plants on their fur. Be aware when visiting areas that have plants such as poison oak.
6. 不要焚烧不知名的植物; burning plant debris may get rid of it, but the smoke may contain toxic compounds. Inhaling the fumes from poisonous plants may be hazardous.
有毒植物的其他资源
Protect Your Horses and Livestock from 有毒的植物
USDA - NRCS Common toxic plants to livestock in Western 华盛顿
华盛顿州的有毒植物
