Explore Plants
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.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Monday - June 23, 2008
From: Paradise, CA
Region: California
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Plants to replace poison ivy and brush
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am right next to a highway in Paradise, CA 95969. I am having brush and poison oak removed in that area and want to plant something fast growing and draught resistant. I am thinking about Oleanders, but I have 2 little dogs. I don't think they would bother the Oleanders though as they don't chew on much except grass. Any ideas?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants would not recommend oleanders (Nerium oleander) since they are not native to California or North America (native to the Mediterranean area and Asia) and what we are all about is "to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes." Also, as you probably know, all parts of the plant are highly toxic.
Here are some recommendations for native substitutes:
Heteromeles arbutifolia (toyon) and more photos and information
Frangula californica (syn. Rhamnus californica) (California buckthorn or coffeeberry) and photos and more information
Rhamnus crocea (redberry buckthorn) and more photos and information
You could also use one of the California manzanitas (Arctostaphylos spp.)
More Poisonous Plants Questions
North American Plants with Poisonous Thorns
December 01, 2011 - Are there any plants in North America that possess poisonous thorns?
view the full question and answer
Propagation of Mountain Laurel by seed
April 20, 2006 - I have a Texas Mountain Laurel. I found on this website that the beans are poisonous, but if you plant them, will they grow another Mountain Laurel?
view the full question and answer
Plum trees (Prunus spp.) poisonous to horses
June 08, 2008 - Are fruitless plum trees poisonous to horses
view the full question and answer
Is Cerinthe major toxic to cats in Gresham, OR
March 14, 2013 - Hi,
I was wondering about whether a specific plant was poisonous or not specifically to cats.. I've done a lot of searching and can't find anything on whether or not this plant is considered toxi...
view the full question and answer
Non-poisonous Hedge for Southern California
November 27, 2010 - What is a non-poisonous (to dogs), fast-growing, evergreen plant that I can grow as a tall screening hedge for privacy? I find differing opinions on Carolina Cherry and Podocarpus gracilior. Thank you...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
