Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_31.gif)
Friday - July 25, 2008
From: Comanche, OK
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Plant called cow shade or cow weed that is poisonous
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
There is a plant called cow shade or cow weed, not exactly sure. It kills whitetail deer. I would like to know the name of the plant and the specifics. If you could help me it would be greatly appreciated. These plants grow in Oklahoma. thank you.ANSWER:
I think you must mean Cicuta maculata (spotted water hemlock or cowbane). This is listed as one of the most toxic plants in the US. Its root resembles a parsnip and humans have died after eating only a few bites of the root. It is native to Oklahoma and here are more photos and information. Two other plants with this common name, Oxypolis rigidior (stiff cowbane) and Oxypolis filiformis (water cowbane), resemble Cicuta maculata but are not poisonous.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Advice for Texas Mountain Laurel in shady, narrow bed.
June 08, 2015 - My house faces N/NE and gets a lot of shade. I would like to plant a Texas Mountain Laurel in my narrow front bed, but what is the best way to amend my clay soil since it prefers rocky soil? What woul...
view the full question and answer
Native shrubs or ground cover for north-facing landscape in Ft. Worth
March 23, 2010 - Need native plant ideas for a landscaping bed against the house facing north. Already has 1 Beautyberry but two others died of root rot last year due to incredibly high water table in our area. Old ...
view the full question and answer
Darkened leaves on blueberry bush
July 02, 2008 - I have a blueberry bush planted in a very large pot. It has been doing very well, producing berries and new growth.
All of a sudden the leaves have begun to turn dark.
I have it potted in good soil...
view the full question and answer
Turks cap not blooming in Austin
June 03, 2008 - Why is my Turks Cap not blooming? It gets about an hour of sun in the morning, then shade for the rest of the day.
It gets watered with the sprinkler system that waters our lawn.
view the full question and answer
Shade ground cover in San Antonio
May 18, 2008 - I would like to find plants, spreading ground or flowers, to go under my red tips. These plants would be in a lot shade and not a great deal of water.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |