Posted: June 6, 2025

Written by: Hanna Meyer, Education & Outreach Coordinator

Don’t get your native, friendly golden alexander flowers confused with invasive, noxious wild parsnip!

We sometimes call the plants in this quiz “problems” because of the ways they affect humans or the environment around them. Wild parsnip, for example, can cause red blisters and itching to humans when it comes in contact with our skin. Other plants, like stinging nettles, cause a minor rash when in contact with skin, but can also be used as a healthy food source.

Oftentimes, the word “invasive” is misused or misunderstood. Invasive plants and animals are by definition non-native species that cause harm to the environment they have been introduced into. Many invasive species are spread to new areas by humans. Invasive species are not always toxic or poisonous – many times they simply outcompete the native wildlife for resources and seem to “takeover” an area. You can prevent contributing to the spread of invasive species by learning more about them, cleaning your clothing & equipment between outdoor trips, and making others aware.

How well do you know these Winneshiek County “problem” species?

Take the quiz here: Knowing Nature – “Problem” Species

Each Knowing Nature quiz features species found in Winneshiek County. By the end of the year, we’ll have experience identifying over 100 different types of plants, animals, and fungus!

Want to dive deeper into learning about the wildlife of Winneshiek County? Track seasonal changes and natural wonders with our YouTube playlist: “Noting Nature.”

Thank you to Luther College professor, Birgitta Meade, for compiling these “Knowing Nature” quizzes and allowing us to share them with the wider public. Most of the photos in these quizzes were taken by Winneshiek County Conservation naturalist Larry Reis.

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