Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Monday - March 23, 2009
From: pineville, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Can the buds and flowers from my Rhodendron tree be toxic to my puppy? Yes
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I recently got a new 7 week old puppy that keeps trying to play with and eat buds and flowers off my Rhododendron tree. Could this be toxic to him?ANSWER:
Yes.
Rhododendron species (one native to the South is Rhododendron maximum (great laurel) ) are members of the family Ericaceae, and many members of this genus contain the substance grayanotoxin which can be toxic to humans, dogs, and many other animals. Azaleas are also in this group of plants.
I've provided some sources that include lists of plants toxic to animals to let you know what else to watch out for.
The Texas Toxic Plant Database is a source that we often use, but unfortunately, it does't list Rhododendron as being toxic.
Universiy of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
The Humane Society of the United States
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Is resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) toxic?
February 14, 2009 - Is Resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla)toxic? Is it safe for children to handle?
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
Do prairie verbenas (Glandularia bipinnatifida) have toxic sap?
March 16, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live in Wimberley, TX and my 6 year old daughter picked wildflowers for her Mom over the weekend. I believe the species was Prairie Verbena but not 100% certain. Now, fo...
view the full question and answer
Petals of flowers on cake from London
August 28, 2010 - Hi could you confirm that Gemini, Lisianthus and Lilies are non toxic if positioned onto a fresh cream cake (stem will be paced into a vial but the petals will come into contact with the cream). Thank...
view the full question and answer
Plant Identification
August 07, 2015 - I live in southeastern Michigan. I found a plant growing in the backyard that caught my eye. I chalked it off as a weed, but it's unique. It is shaped like a bushing type plant, has red stem, each cl...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |