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
Monday - August 09, 2010
From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Is non-native Japanese Blueberry tree fruit poisonous to cats and dogs from Houston
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Are Japanese Blueberry Tree fruit poisonous? I have dogs and cats and I was concerned if they ate them. I also live in the Houston, TX area.ANSWER:
Elaeocarpus deciphens, Japanese Blueberry Tree, is native to New Zealand, and therefore out of the range of expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Because we are committed to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native to North America, we have no information on this plant. We will give you a list of websites that list some plants poisonous to small animals, and you can search on those. You should be warned that, especially for a non-native plant, the fact that it is not on one of these lists does not guarantee that it is not toxic.
ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants
Pawprints and Purrs Plants and Pets Toxic Listing
Petfinder.com Things Poisonous to Pets
ASCPA Poison Control Center
Suite 101.com Toxic Plants and Pets
Here an article from Gardening Central Japanese Blueberry Tree. Usually, if a plant has severely poisonous parts, articles about them will mention that but, again, no guarantees.
More Non-Natives Questions
Failure to bloom of non-native crepe myrtle
March 26, 2009 - I have a white crepe myrtle that never bloomed last year..my pink ones were beautiful. What can I fertilize with to promote blooming for the white one? And, yes, it is in the sun!
view the full question and answer
TIF 419 Bermudagrass vs. Zoysia
September 03, 2008 - I'm currently faced with the decision to sod my yard with TIF 419 or Zoysia. Zoysia is double the price so my knee jerk reaction is to go with Bermuda. Proponents of Zoysia claim it requires less m...
view the full question and answer
Flowering problems with Mexican Plum and Mimosa in Austin, TX
March 18, 2010 - Greetings,
My Prunus mexicana (Mexican Plum) did not produce flowers before its leaves. Can you tell me why? I was hoping to have some fruit this year.
Also, as of this morning March 13. My...
view the full question and answer
Bulletproof plants from Burleson TX
April 18, 2013 - I recently wrote you a question concerning planting a privacy plant consisting of wax leaf ligustrum on my country property. Your answer was immediate (thank you-I am impressed). I like the wax leaf ...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native African violets from Mason OH
May 18, 2011 - I have had 3 african violets for at least 4 weeks. I continue to water them and have moved their location. They continue to have wilted leaves. Are they done for or is there something I can do to g...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |
