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 - January 04, 2010
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Need information about the toxicity of some newly acquired plants in Austin, TX
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I just got a Carolina Buckthorn tree, a silk tassel, a wafer ash, and an escarpment black cherry tree. I wonder if any of these trees produce berries that would be poisonous to my grandchildren or my dog???? Thank you so much. I'm enjoying reading your questions and answers!ANSWER:
When Mr. Smarty Plants gets inquiries about toxic plants, there are several databases that he consults, and I am going to share them with you for future reference.
I have perused the lists below looking for the trees that you planted; Carolina Buckthorn Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn) , silk tassel tree Garrya ovata (eggleaf silktassel) , wafer ash tree Ptelea trifoliata (common hoptree), and the escarpment cherry Prunus serotina var. eximia (black cherry).
The silk tassel tree and the wafer ash were not on any of the lists, however the escarpment cherry was on all of the lists, and the Carolina Buckthorn was on two.
Members of the genus Prunus are well known for being toxic. The toxic compounds are cyanogenic glycosides that are found in leaves and the seeds. (more information)
The Buckthorn is sometimes placed in the genus Rhamnus, and this genus is listed is the one found in the databases. The toxic compounds are glycosides that are found in the berries. (more information)
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/poison.htm
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/
Toxic Plants of Texas http://essmextension.tamu.edu/plants/toxics/
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/poison/index.html
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System http://www.cbif.gc.ca/pls/pp/poison?p_x=px
University of California at Davis http://www.plantsciences.ucdavis.edu/ce/king/PoisPlant/Tox-COM.htm
More Poisonous Plants Questions
How toxic are milkweed (Asclepias spp.)?
November 01, 2011 - We are considering a monarch waystation for our local elementary and are concerned about milkweed toxicity. Would it be safe to plant it in reach of children?
view the full question and answer
Fast-growing tree for horse arena in Southern California
July 06, 2011 - I live in Trabuco Canyon, CA, and we just lost an old Sycamore in our horse arena. I would like to replace it with some thing that is fast growing, and will be able to withstand life around horses, o...
view the full question and answer
New house plant in pot in Chevy Chase MD
May 07, 2010 - Is it possible for one house plant to eventually die in the pot while a completely different plant grows in its place? The new plant looks similar to the potted plant next to it but it is not quite t...
view the full question and answer
Sturdiness of non- native poisonous oleanders
August 16, 2011 - We've seen a dozen different types of non-native plants in our yard perish in last winter's brutal freezes and this summer's record drought..which is good..except for the Oleanders, which nature ca...
view the full question and answer
Plant ID of unknown purchased plant from Boise ID
June 24, 2012 - Hi! I bought a tree that the sales person didnt know what it was. I thought it was a cherry tree and now after about 3-4 yrs I know it is but..How do I know if it is an ornamental tree or real fruit t...
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. |
