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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
rate this answer
Friday - March 07, 2008
From: Kamiah, ID
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Information about Rosa acicularis
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
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 have indicated such information of the plant being poisonous. Could you offer particular information about this toxicity and/or reference sites I might research? Many thanks for the wealth of information at your site.ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants thinks that the reported toxicity for Rosa acicularis (prickly rose) was mistakenly applied to the wrong plant. As far as we can determine, R. acicularis is non-toxic. In fact, we don't know of any species in the genus Rosa that has toxic properties. The fruits of this genus, rose hips, have been used for centuries by indigenous people for food and medicinal purposes. We have removed this statement from our Native Plants Database and we thank you for pointing out this inaccuracy so that we could correct it.More Poisonous Plants Questions
Plants to replace poison ivy in Kingsport TN
July 03, 2009 - Am in the process of killing off poison ivy that is growing vigorously. What do you recommend to plant in its place. I don't want to leave area open to other invasive plants. (Yes, poison ivy is a...
view the full question and 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 the full question and 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 the full question and answer
Non-poisonous, non-allergenic plants for privacy fence
March 15, 2012 - I'm looking to put in some plants to create a privacy fence against one side of my property. I'd like a mix of plants that grow well together in order to create a diverse look. I need something ever...
view the full question and 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 the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |