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
Friday - October 09, 2009
From: Kent, WA
Region: Northwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Datura in the state of Washington.
Answered by: Anne Bossart
QUESTION:
I have a datura species growing beneath my bird feeder. How did it get here in Western Washington?? It has the typical fragrant, tubular flowers & spiky seed pods. It has grown 3' tall & 4' wide. Amazing plant.ANSWER:
Although you have (obviously) not seen this plant in your area before it is a widespread North American native (or naturalized ... its origin is uncertain because of its global presence).There are quite a few species across its range and a couple are found in Washington according to the USDA and NatureServe databases.
It occurs commonly in disturbed and natural areas and most likely found its way to your garden in your birdseed or was brought in by the bird themselves from a wilder area.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Getting rid of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia)
July 28, 2008 - When I bought my land, there was a humongous thicket of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia) approx 10 ft high and covering 5-10 acres. I raise goats, and have known that wild plums (the leaves) can cause...
view the full question and answer
Is the Magnolia 'Ann' safe for horses
May 14, 2010 - I bought a magnolia "ann". Will it hurt my horses to eat any part of it?
view the full question and answer
Poisonous cherries from trees in Angola, IN
June 25, 2009 - Are there any poisonous cherries from trees in Indiana?
view the full question and answer
Trimming Texas mountain laurel in Austin
August 27, 2009 - Is there a specific time to trim established mountain laurels? Should I cut off the dried seed pods since they are weighing down the branches?
view the full question and answer
Can the buds and flowers from my Rhodendron tree be toxic to my puppy? Yes
March 23, 2009 - 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?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |