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Jimson weed, oleander, ergot, angel trumpet: all plants that will kill you if you don’t treat them with a little respect. The Plantae kingdom is filled with deadly photosynthesis-craving organisms, a number of which are spotlighted in Amy Stewart’s book, Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln’s Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities.
If you’re interested in learning how to stay away from this bloodthirsty plant life, catch a full tour today of the Denver Botanic Gardens’ more lethal offerings led by Stewart herself; after that, she’ll give a talk detailing true tales of history’s best plant assassinations. In the introduction to her book, Stewart writes, “I didn’t write this book to scare people away from the outdoors, but I think we should under-stand its power.” But since the book is filled with tales of accidental and intentional plant killings, chances are you’ll walk away just a little more nervous about venturing outside.
The tour costs $10 and runs at 5 p.m. and again at 6; the lecture is $15 for members and $20 for non-members and starts at 7. Both activities require pre-registration. The DBG is at 1007 York Street; for more information, call 720-865-3580 or visit www.botanicgardens.org.
Thu., April 21, 7 p.m., 2011
