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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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Friday - May 08, 2015
From: Igo, CA
Region: California
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Problem Plants
Title: Identification of potentially toxic weed in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi! Sorry about the error, I'm not very computer savvy! I have a weed that grows on my land; about 1 foot tall its flower looks like a Q-tip. My neighbor says it killed her horse! I can't find it on the website or in any of my books. I can't keep up with it pulling by hand, it's everywhere! What is it and what should I do about it, if anything? Thanks! WrenANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants is sorry but your description doesn't bring any native California plant immediately to mind. Your best bet is to contact the University of California Cooperative Extension Service in Shasta County to see if someone can identify your plant and advise you whether or not it is considered toxic to horses. Perhaps you can photograph it and send the photo to someone in their office. If it is toxic they will likely be able to tell you how to get rid of it.
Alternatively, you can visit our Plant Identification page where you will find plant identification forums that will accept photos of plants for identification. After it has been identified you can search the Internet by its scientific name to determine if it is toxic.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Non-poisonous Hedge for Southern California
November 27, 2010 - What is a non-poisonous (to dogs), fast-growing, evergreen plant that I can grow as a tall screening hedge for privacy? I find differing opinions on Carolina Cherry and Podocarpus gracilior. Thank you...
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Fruit and nut trees safe for horses.
May 11, 2015 - My husband and I just moved to Elgin. We have always wanted to grow fruit/nut baring trees but didn't take in to consideration that horses might eat them. We have never had land or horses before, s...
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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 ...
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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.
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Cenizo safe for consumption by parrots from Phoenix AZ
April 30, 2012 - Could you tell me if Cenizo, (Leucophyllum frutescens) branches and leaves can be fed to pets? (parrots)I read the leaves were often used for tea for humans, but can't find an information if safe fo...
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