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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

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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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!

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Tuesday - January 12, 2016

From: Republic, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
Title: Can a dog die from eating a holly bush?
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Can a dog die from eating a holly bush?

ANSWER:

Some species of holly (Ilex spp.) are known to be toxic to dogs.  Other's do not seem to be a problem.  It would be very odd for a dog to actually eat a holly bush, but not very unusual for a dog -- especially a young one -- to chew on one.  The ASPCA has published a nice list of plants that pose a risk to dogs.
 

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