Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Saturday - May 11, 2013

From: Trenton, NJ
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Wildflowers
Title: Springbeauty in New Jersey and Dog Allergies
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

Is Claytonia virginica in New Jersey and could my dog be allergic to it?

ANSWER:

Yes, Claytonia virginica (Virginia springbeauty) can be found in New Jersey. Take a look at the USDA distribution map and you will see that this springbeauty has a large distribution range throughout the eastern half of the United States and into Ontario and Quebec.

In looking at the toxicity of this plant, Virginia springbeauty is listed as having edible leaves, flowering stems and roots on the Plants for a Future website. It has been a longtime staple of foragers.

The ASPCA list of toxic plants for dogs does not include Claytonia virginica.

Tom Ogren has some information on his Allergy-Free Gardening website about plants that cause allergies in dogs. Once again Claytonia is not mentioned, so if you suspect your dog has allergies, it may be other pollen-producing plants such as junipers, mulberries, grasses, oaks… (the same plants that cause allergies in humans).

 

 

 

From the Image Gallery


Virginia springbeauty
Claytonia virginica

Virginia springbeauty
Claytonia virginica

More Wildflowers Questions

Plants for a Narrow Fence Line in TN
February 03, 2015 - I have a very specific and difficult planting question. I have a narrow strip (about 2 feet at the widest) between my back privacy fence and a wire fence that marks the edge of my property. It is dire...
view the full question and answer

Does the Dyschoriste oblongifolia attract snakes ?
May 19, 2010 - Does the Dyschoriste oblongifolia (oblongleaf snakeherb)attract snakes?
view the full question and answer

Color year round, welcome to Austin Texas.
December 04, 2011 - I am new to Austin and want to plant colorful flowers for fall and winter that get a "wow" reaction. I have not seen much at the local nurseries. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated!
view the full question and answer

Wildflowers for Daleville AL
September 08, 2011 - What wildflowers will grow in Daleville AL, in almost all day sun ? Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Early spring wildflowers of Pennsylvania
September 30, 2011 - What native wildflower is the first to bloom in Weedville, Pa? (Jay township, Elk county) I am working on a research paper for my Environmental Problems class, and this would be very helpful. Thank y...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.