Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Thursday - September 10, 2015
From: Belton, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
Title: Non-toxic evergreen shrub around duck pen
Answered by: Joe Marcus
QUESTION:
I live in Zone 6a, and am looking for a non-toxic evergreen shrub to use around our fence that pens in our ducks. It doesn't have to be native to our particular state. I have 74 feet of fence on the side we want to address first.ANSWER:
We must tell you that we are bound by our mission and by institutional philosophy to recommend only those plant species native to a given area. This is the very heart of what we do and what we're all about. Unfortunately, we do not know of a single evergreen shrub species native to your area that would be suitable for the use you describe. In general, though, unless your shrubs are fruit-bearing, there is little likelihood that your ducks will pay much attention to them. Some shrubs, such as hollies, have male and female plants. If choosing such a species, look for male cultivars.
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