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
Sunday - May 01, 2011
From: Chico, CA
Region: California
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrubs for hedge not toxic to horses and llamas in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have goats llamas and horses, and need a short hedge that is non-toxic to them. It will be along a section of no-climb fencing, but they would be able to get to it. I lost a foal this morning and could not stomach another loss. Thank you for your time.ANSWER:
I am very sorry about your foal. That is heartbreaking!
Here are some small shrubs that are NOT found on any of the toxic plant lists given below. They range from 3 to 8 feet for their maximum height and they all are native and can be found in Butte County. You need to read the GROWING CONDITIONS for each of the plants, however, to be sure their requirements are compatible with you site.
Baccharis pilularis (Coyotebrush)
Ceanothus velutinus (Snowbrush)
Chrysolepis sempervirens (Bush chinquapin) and here are photos
Dendromecon rigida (Tree poppy)
Eriogonum fasciculatum (Eastern mojave buckwheat)
Holodiscus discolor (Cream bush)
Rosa californica (California rose) and here are photos and more information.
Here are databases that you can use to check on toxicity of plants to horses and other animals:
ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Horses [Note: The first list is for plants toxic to horses and the second list is for plants non-toxic to horses.]
Horse Nutrition: Poisonous Plants from Ohio State University Extension Service
10 Most Poisonous Plants for Horses from Equisearch
Poisonous Plants that may be dangerous to llamas and other livestock
California Poison Control System
Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants from the Universtiy of Pennsylvania
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
More Shrubs Questions
Drought Tolerant Shrubs and Perennials in San Jose, CA
July 18, 2013 - Hello I am a SLT home owner in San Jose, Ca. and want to plant drought tolerant shrubs and perennials. We don't have irrigation but plan to put a timer on a nozzle and run some lines. At least I am t...
view the full question and answer
Plants for dry conditions and clay soils in Georgia
June 25, 2007 - I need a bush or plant that I can plant next to a creek that requires no maintenance to cover exposed roots and underbrush caused by rushing water whenever the creeks rises with large downpours. We b...
view the full question and answer
Plants for pool privacy from Peachtree GA
March 20, 2012 - We currently reside in Georgia and have a pool surrounded by a fence. However, because our house is located on a hill, my neighbor on the left side can very easily still see my backyard and we can see...
view the full question and answer
Shrubs with berries for birds and growing small red oak tree
September 16, 2007 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
Recently, I saw a short article about attracting birds to one's yard. The article said to plant "berry-bearing" shrubs, but didn't name any specific shrubs. Could you tell...
view the full question and answer
How to deal with suckers on Flame-leaf Sumac
May 20, 2013 - Hi! It seems you can have too much of a good thing! Our flameleaf sumac is taking over our yard. There are multiple shoots appearing in our flower beds and in the lawn. How do I get rid of the unwante...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |