Great Expectations vocabulary

any one of several plants covered in hairs which cause a temporary rash and itchy stinging sensation when touched. For most people it will last for only a few hours, for the unlucky few it may blister and last for days.

Many species are edible when cooked as cooking destroys the toxin. The species Laportea canadensis (pictured below) grows in dense clusters in eastern North America, often covering many acres along streambanks and lakes. It is easiest to identify in the fall from the white and green blooms.

^{photo: (Laportea canadensis) by ajvocab.com}