Serpentine outcrop (IMAGE) Washington State University Caption A natural serpentine soil outcrop--the area devoid of vegetation indicate where high levels of the heavy metal, nickel, are too toxic for many plants to grow. Image taken at the Hopland Research and Extension Center, CA Credit Angeliqua Montoya, Washington State University Usage Restrictions For use only with stories associated with this press release License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.