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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Monday - March 23, 2009
From: pineville, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Can the buds and flowers from my Rhodendron tree be toxic to my puppy? Yes
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
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?ANSWER:
Yes.
Rhododendron species (one native to the South is Rhododendron maximum (great laurel) ) are members of the family Ericaceae, and many members of this genus contain the substance grayanotoxin which can be toxic to humans, dogs, and many other animals. Azaleas are also in this group of plants.
I've provided some sources that include lists of plants toxic to animals to let you know what else to watch out for.
The Texas Toxic Plant Database is a source that we often use, but unfortunately, it does't list Rhododendron as being toxic.
Universiy of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
The Humane Society of the United States
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Non-native astilbe resemblance to non-native poisonous castor bean from Tomslake BC
May 21, 2014 - I have a plant that looks like a castor bean but it has flowers like a Younique Silvery Pink Astilbe. Need to id because castor bean is poisonous. This plant grows up to 5 feet in height.
Thank you !
view the full question and 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 the full question and answer
Removing poison ivy around live oak in Hockley TX
July 02, 2009 - We have a large live oak in our backyard, estimated to be over 100 years old. I am working on clearing out the brush that is under the tree. Can I spray commercially available poison ivy killer in t...
view the full question and answer
Do Delphiniums Transfer Toxins to Strawberries?
October 22, 2015 - Is it safe to eat strawberries grown beside delphiniums?
view the full question and answer
Is Texas Mountain Laurel Honey Toxic in Fulshear, TX?
March 11, 2012 - Toxicity of Texas Mountain Laurel HONEY
I know the seeds and leaves of the Tx Mountain Laurel are toxic. But, is honey that comes from the Mountain Laurel toxic too? I heard that it is, but can'...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |