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
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
No Berries on Possumhaw from Victoria, TX
November 08, 2010 - I bought a Possumhaw about 4 years ago because I love red berry plants. So you can realize my disappointment in this very healthy looking green tree that refuses to give me any red berries. What is wr...
view the full question and answer
Plants for under a fountain splash line in California
January 29, 2009 - What plants should we plant under our fountain's splash line in our Mediterranean style courtyard? The area will get wet from the fountain's splashing and have "full" sun. We are on a rock ridge...
view the full question and answer
Native Azaleas for Southeast USA
April 03, 2012 - Where can I purchase wild azaleas?
view the full question and answer
Removal of pods when pruning Tecoma stans
May 10, 2013 - When pruning Tecoma stans for growth and shape control,should I cut off the pods?
view the full question and answer
Need to Landscape a Small Yard in Southern California
February 03, 2011 - We live in Southern California, and have a small yard – approx. 40’ x 20.’ We want to remove the grass, which we are currently not irrigating, and replace with low maintenance, drought-tolerant plant...
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. |
