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
Wednesday - May 25, 2011
From: metairie, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Are banana plants poisonous to dogs in Metarie, LA?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Can a dog die from eating a banana plant that I have growing in my yard?ANSWER:
The scientific name for banana is Musa and there are several cultivars that are grown as ornamentals.
When we get questions about toxic plants, we consult a series of databases to see if the plant in question is listed. (see below)
Toxic Plants Databases
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
The Merck Veterinary Manual Table 05ASPCA dogs & cats
University of Illinois (common names only)
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
I didn't find Musa on any of the lists. This doesn't guarantee that banana plant is non-toxic, but it increases the probablity that it is. You may want to consult a local veterinarian.
The links below list foods that are known to be toxic to dogs.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Vines non-poisonous to dogs from Madison WI
June 09, 2013 - Are there any vines or crawlers that are non poisonous to dogs? Everything I am finding is poisonous, I want to plant some vines up a fence on their kennel run.
view the full question and answer
Non-native vines poisonous from Bakersfield CA
May 17, 2013 - Are pink bower vines and stars and stripes mandevilla
toxic to dogs?
view the full question and answer
Horses exposed to toxic plants in Charles Town WV
July 13, 2010 - Mr. Smarty Pants, I have a big problem on my hands! Four of my horses have gotten into something toxic, but I must find out what. I found an unusual plant that a mare chased her foal away from. It's ...
view the full question and answer
Safety of Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel tree) for parrots
April 25, 2007 - Do you have any information on the possible toxicity of Baccharis halimifolia (Groundsel tree, sea myrtle) most especially the trunks/branches? We have it all over our property, and I'm curious if it...
view the full question and answer
Failure to bloom of Eve's necklacepod in Austin
April 04, 2011 - I have a young Eve's necklace that never blooms in the spring. I wonder every spring if this will be the year, but the blooms never come. Is there a reason for this? The tree is about three or fou...
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. |
