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.
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Smarty Plants Question Topics
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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| topic | question | |
| Is Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittonianna) toxic to dogs June 23, 2009 I would like to know if the plant known as Mexican petunia,or Katie dwarf (Ruellia brittonianna) is toxic for dogs. Thank you. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are variegated ginger plants poisonous to cats? June 16, 2009 Is a variegated ginger plant poisonous to cats? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Photinia toxicity to dogs June 15, 2009 is the photinia bush toxic to dogs?? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| How toxic are wild cherries for horses? June 11, 2009 I purchased a beautiful piece of heaven in the rural suburbs. I have three horses and grow my own hay. Unfortunately, I have just learned the woods surrounding my field is lined with Black Walnut, Wil... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is purple grass poisonous if eaten by a dog? June 04, 2009 Is purple grass poisonous if eaten by a dog? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are Cleveland Pear trees in Georgia toxic to horses and/ or dogs? June 02, 2009 Are flowering Cleveland Pear trees (Pyrus calleryana) poisonous to horses and/or dogs? I have read that the prunus species are, does that include pear trees? Please help! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| When will angels trumpet bloom in Vero Beach, FL? May 31, 2009 At what age or height will my angel's trumpet be able to produce flowers? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are berries from the Carrot Wood Tree toxic to animals? May 26, 2009 Hello, I am trying to find out if the berries on the carrot wood tree are toxic to animals - dog? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Viburnum dentatum (Chicago Lustre) toxic to horses May 26, 2009 Are Chicago Lustre Viburnum -- Viburnum Dentatum -- toxic to horses? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Eliminating skunk cabbage in Troy, NY May 19, 2009 My yard is overgrown with skunk cabbage. My question is how do I get rid of it? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Penstemon cobaea poisonous May 12, 2009 Is Penstemon cobaea Nutt or Wild foxglove poisonous like real fox glove? It is on a playground and Im concerned that it may not be safe for children. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Getting rid of poison ivy May 08, 2009 Dear Mr Smarty Plants, Likewise I also have a shady area in my yard with overgrowth of poison ivy. It borders a small duck pond and we have a Golden Retriever. I too would like to plant soon afterward... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Texas ragwort (Senecio ampullaceus) toxic to livestock? May 05, 2009 Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a question related to Texas Ragwort (Senecio ampullaceus): I am concerned about toxicity to livestock as well as interested in natural control methods. I was recentl... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Laws pertaining to sale of poisonous plants May 05, 2009 Are there any laws pertaining to the sale of poisonous plants. do they have to be labeled as poisonous by law? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is any part of flowering peach (Prunus persica) toxic to dogs April 26, 2009 I know that peach pits and wilting leaves are poisonous to dogs, but can you tell me if any part of the Red Flowering Peach Tree (no fruit) is toxic? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are dogwood trees poisonous to horses? April 26, 2009 Are dogwood trees poisonous to horses? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Evergreen hedge non-toxic for horses and goats in Muskogee, OK March 31, 2009 I live in northeastern Oklahoma. I am trying to find an evergreen hedge, 6-8 ft in height, 4-6 ft spread that is not harmful to horses or goats. Everything that I have found is for Zone 8 or 9. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Can the buds and flowers from my Rhodendron tree be toxic to my puppy? Yes March 23, 2009 I recently got a new 7 week old puppy that keeps trying to play with and eat buds and flowers off my Rhododendron tree. Could this be toxic to him? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is cat palm (Chamaedorea cataractarum) poisonous? March 18, 2009 I have a Cataractarum (Cat) Palm and am wondering if it is poisonous. I have a Cockatiel who likes to play in it. Thank you! View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Do prairie verbenas (Glandularia bipinnatifida) have toxic sap? March 16, 2009 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I live in Wimberley, TX and my 6 year old daughter picked wildflowers for her Mom over the weekend. I believe the species was Prairie Verbena but not 100% certain. Now, fo... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Potential allelopathy of cultivar of Artemisia ludoviciana March 09, 2009 I recently submitted a question regarding allelopathic potential of artemisia ludoviciana on rusty blackhaw viburnum, not specifying that I meant Vibernum rufidulum. Mr. SP interpreted my viburnum as... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Can hackberry twigs and leaves be safely used in compost? March 05, 2009 If Hackberry trees and leaves have growth inhibiting compounds, should they not be used in compost piles? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Cake decorations with flowers February 25, 2009 Can I decorate a cake with bluebonnets, lavender or mountain laurel blooms? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Artemesia ludoviciana allelopathic? February 20, 2009 I recently read that Artemisia ludoviciana is allelopathic to some other plants. I planted some last fall between a rusty blackhaw viburnum and a Mexican buckeye. Do you know whether it is phytotoxi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) toxic? February 14, 2009 Is Resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla)toxic? Is it safe for children to handle? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Will a barrier hedge of Agarita cause any problems for horses and cattle? January 28, 2009 Will planting a hedge of Agarita (Mahonia trifoliolata) at the fence line in my blackland prairie pasture cause any problems for my horses and cattle. I am trying to create a sound and sight barrier ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Weeds safe for rabbits to eat January 21, 2009 I have several types of weeds running rampant in my large backyard. I can't seem to keep up with them. I have a couple rabbits and was wondering if the weeds are edible and would be okay to feed to... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Do palm trees put off a toxic smoke when burnt? December 09, 2008 do palm trees put off a toxic smoke when burnt View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is scarlet buckeye (Aesculus pavia) poisonous? December 01, 2008 Is a scarlet buckeye poisonous? Anna View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia sp.) toxic to horses? November 21, 2008 Are crepe myrtle trees toxic to horses ? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Tropical looking plants for pool area in California November 14, 2008 I am looking for small tropical looking plants, groundcover, and 2-small trees for around my pool. They have to be non-toxic to dogs,cats, and people. They can't attract bees/wasps, or have a root ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Topical treatment for poison ivy rash November 12, 2008 I would like to know a topical treatment for the poison ivy rash View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| GMO/GE crops killing wildflowers and insects October 31, 2008 Hi, I've read where GMO/GE crops in other countries were killing the wildflowers and insects adjacent to those fields. Have you had any reports of this North America. Best regards. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Alpacas poisoned in pasture in Texas October 26, 2008 Two of my alpacas were poisoned by something growing in two of my pastures. One of the suspects is cussus trifoliata, aka, cow itch vine, sorrelvine. I have searched diligently and can find no refere... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Non-toxic, non-invasive native flowers for horses October 12, 2008 Hi I have a couple areas in and bordering horse pastures that I would like to plant with native flowers. I can find lists of toxic flowers but not non toxic native ones. Id like non -toxic non-invas... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Wintering over an Angel Trumpet in Kentucky September 20, 2008 I have an Angel Trumpet on my deck in LaGrange,Ky -Can I plant it out in the yard now or do I have to take it in the house for the winter- It is 5 feet tall and I have no room in the house! Help!-Than... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) poisonous to pets? Probaly not. September 08, 2008 Is Spanish Moss poisonous to pets? I have a dog which will eat anything. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Curing plant rash September 02, 2008 I went walking in the woods a few weeks ago, and my leg swiped some kind of cactus or something. It scratched me up and I had to remove little white spines with tweezers. I developed an intensely itch... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| Plants referred to as Hummingbird plants August 22, 2008 We have a a plant that is sometimes called a Hummingbird Plant, sometimes a Firecracker plant. I have also seen the name lonicera sempervirens. Are they poisonous? This is a plant, not a vine. T... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are palm leaves poisonous? August 18, 2008 Are palm tree leaves poisionous? Because my dad was doing yard work and was stuck by a palm tree leaf in his calf. His calf has swollen and in he thinks it broke off in his calf. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are leaves of banana trees poisonous? August 10, 2008 are the leaves of banana trees poisonous? the tree will be in a preschool classroom How do i care for the tree? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Hardy plants for a narrow yard in Illinois July 28, 2008 I have an area in my yard that is approx 35 feet by 5 feet that is shaded on the east by a 4 ft fence and on the west by the house and above by trees. It slopes off to the neighbors yard (so doesn't ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Getting rid of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia) July 28, 2008 When I bought my land, there was a humongous thicket of wild plums (Prunus angustifolia) approx 10 ft high and covering 5-10 acres. I raise goats, and have known that wild plums (the leaves) can cause... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plant with poisonous thorns July 27, 2008 Is there a bush or tree out there that has thorns on it that can make you swell and cause you to feel like you can hardly move you're whole hand. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are oleanders poisonous? July 18, 2008 Are Oleanders poisonous? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants to replace poison ivy and brush June 23, 2008 I am right next to a highway in Paradise, CA 95969. I am having brush and poison oak removed in that area and want to plant something fast growing and draught resistant. I am thinking about Oleander... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are seeds of Tecoma stans (yellow bells) toxic to birds June 22, 2008 We have several Tacoma Stans in our yard and several pets (dogs & a Cockatoo). My Too is very interested in the beans of this plant. Are the beans poisonous to birds? Dogs? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Poisonous plant in Ohio with hydrangea-like flower June 09, 2008 Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I was sure that I had read that there is a poisonous bush that is native to Ohio that has flowers something like a white hydrangea..or was it queen ann's lace? I believe the ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Are black walnut and sugar maple poisonous to alpacas June 09, 2008 I have alpacas and wonder if black walnut or sugar maple are poisonous to them. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plum trees (Prunus spp.) poisonous to horses June 08, 2008 Are fruitless plum trees poisonous to horses View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Lantana poisonous to people, animals May 07, 2008 Mr. Smarty Plants, I read your response to the woman with the cow eating her plants over her neighbors fence. Just so you know- Lantana is poisionous. To humans and cattle. You recommended it as a... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Natural fibers for lashing bamboo in weaving May 07, 2008 I live in Austin and am looking for plants I can use for weaving fibers, e.g. lashing bamboo for a small project. What plants and parts do you recommend? What resources do you recommend for informatio... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Echinacea poisonous to cats? May 01, 2008 Is the echinacea plant poisonous to cats? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Information on Royal Empress tree May 01, 2008 Would like to have some information on the royal empress tree; it is a non-native tree. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Dealing with poison ivy April 22, 2008 Suggestions for eradicating Poison Ivy? I have just a small growth in my backyard. Thanks - View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Mosaic virus in Poke Salad in East Texas April 20, 2008 I live in a rural East Texas, and have an abundance of Poke Salad. If you know how to prepare it, it's a springtime treat for anyone who enjoys veggies. However, for the last few years, many of the o... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Fast growing trees in Idaho April 10, 2008 I want to plant fast-growing trees on my property in Idaho. What trees are poisonous to horses and dogs? I am particularly interested in the Royal Empress (Paulowmia) tree and the dogwood tree. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Campsis radicans or cow itch April 03, 2008 We cleaned my father-in-law's home-place up out in the country week-before-last. My wife, her 2 sisters and a niece have this unusual-looking poison on them. It is big red places and itches all ove... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Information about Rosa acicularis March 07, 2008 Hi: At your site under "Benefit" it is mentioned that the seeds, leaves bark and twigs of Rosa acicularis Lindl. can be fatally poisonous to humans and animals. None of my past or present studies h... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants repellant to snakes October 20, 2007 Is there anything a gardener can plant to keep snakes away, especially poisonous snakes? Are there plants that attract snakes (Our dog was bitten by a cottonmouth right near our back porch a couple of... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Is Rosa rugosa poisonous? August 04, 2007 Are beach plums from a Rosa rogosa poisonous? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Toxicity of Lupinus ssp. (bluebonnets) June 25, 2007 Are bluebonnets toxic to cattle? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Recognizing poison ivy June 20, 2007 I am having a difficult time identifying poison ivy. It seems so many plants look like poison ivy can you help me I don't want to kill everything but on the same hand I don't want to itch. Thanks f... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer |  | |
| How to get rid of poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) April 25, 2007 Our school grounds are infested with lots of poison ivy. What is best remedy for extensive growth? View Mr. Smarty Plants' 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 Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Using cattail fluff to stuff pillows April 22, 2007 Me and my children filled a pillow case with cattail feathers today and brought it home. My mother says that it is going to get or attract bugs. Are there any dangers in this little project? Than... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Toxicity of seeds of Texas Mountain Laurel for dog April 07, 2007 I have a Tx Mountain Laurel that is in 1 end of a dog pen. I just heard the seeds are poisonous. Is this true & should we pull the seeds off so the dog can't reach them to eat? Thanks for your assist... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants toxic to horses March 09, 2007 I would like to landscape with native plants (I live south of you in Harlingen, TX) but I am concerned some might be dangerous to my horses. Do you have a list of either safe native plants or native ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Native plants that will grow under alleopathic black walnut March 03, 2007 I have a large, beautiful black walnut tree in my yard and have trouble growing the annuals, begonia, impatients, etc., that I have always grown. They don't do well in the ground and I have resorted... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Toxicity of Peruvian Lilies (Alstroemeria sp) for food decoration September 04, 2006 Hi, I am trying to find out if I can decorate a cake using live alstroemeria laid on top of the icing. I would not want to eat the flower, just lay it on top to look pretty before removing and servi... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants for dog-safe privacy hedge in Missouri July 03, 2006 I live in Missouri and would like to put a "living fence" around my yard for some privacy. Ideally, I want something that is going to grow fast so that I don't have to wait years and years for my ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Propagation of Mountain Laurel by seed April 20, 2006 I have a Texas Mountain Laurel. I found on this website that the beans are poisonous, but if you plant them, will they grow another Mountain Laurel? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Digestive distress from eating Lonicera sempervirens February 23, 2006 A friend of mine ate Lonicera sempervirens and it caused a burning sensation in his stomach. What may have caused this sensation? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Local native plant for grave marker in Washington December 30, 2005 Dear wildflower expert, Our friend’s dog died, and is buried in western Washington, near the town of Monroe. My wife is from central Texas, and thought a Texas perennial would be a nice marker. ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Plants toxic to dogs December 08, 2005 Can you tell me where I can get information on plants poisonious to dogs? Deck and yard plants. Thank you. View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Trumpet flower side effects July 06, 2005 What happens if you eat a trumpet flower, what are the side effects and dangers? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on staghorn sumac May 23, 2005 I currently have staghorn sumac in my yard located in Woodstock, Connecticut. it appears to be of the Rhus typhina species. i am removing these from my yard using a chainsaw and creating a pile of ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on Texas cherry tomato April 24, 2005 We just bought 2 Texas cherry tomato plants at the plant sale. We have to container garden in a walled courtyard due to deer. (Would deer be attracted to the plants in a garden with herbs and high de... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Skin irritation caused by blanket flower (Gaillardia sp.) January 29, 2005 Could you tell me whether it is the leaves or the spent flower heads, the seed heads, that cause irritation to bare legs after walking through a field of Indian Blankets? Gallardia I believe is the La... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on Poisonous Plants October 27, 2004 Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I wonder who among the wonderful staff at the Wildflower Center can answer this. I occasionally get requests for information on toxic or irritating plants. Beyond the obvious ... View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Poisonous Trees September 23, 2004 Are redbuds and catalpa trees poisonous? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
| Smarty Plants on poisonous plants August 03, 2001 Do you have a list of plants that are poisonous to children and pets? View Mr. Smarty Plants' Answer | ||
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