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

Wednesday - May 25, 2011
From: metairie, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Are banana plants poisonous to dogs in Metarie, LA?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Can a dog die from eating a banana plant that I have growing in my yard?ANSWER:
The scientific name for banana is Musa and there are several cultivars that are grown as ornamentals.
When we get questions about toxic plants, we consult a series of databases to see if the plant in question is listed. (see below)
Toxic Plants Databases
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
The Merck Veterinary Manual Table 05ASPCA dogs & cats
University of Illinois (common names only)
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
I didn't find Musa on any of the lists. This doesn't guarantee that banana plant is non-toxic, but it increases the probablity that it is. You may want to consult a local veterinarian.
The links below list foods that are known to be toxic to dogs.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Toxicity of non-native red-tip photinia to fish from Friendswood TX
April 10, 2013 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have seen several questions on Red Tip Photinia (RTP) concerning toxicity to horses, dogs and children. We recently lost over 100 gold fish and 6 large KOI in our man made back ...
view the full question and answer
Non-toxic, non-invasive native flowers for horses
October 12, 2008 - Hi I have a couple areas in and bordering horse pastures that I would like to plant with native flowers. I can find lists of toxic flowers but not non toxic native ones. Id like
non -toxic non-invas...
view the full question and answer
Dwarf oyster plant dying in Sunrise FL
July 06, 2012 - WHAT WOULD BE KILLING MY DWARF OYSTER PLANTS
view the full question and answer
is the rainbow Eucalyptus poisonous to horses in FL?
May 24, 2011 - Is the Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree poisonous to horses?
view the full question and answer
Propagation of Mountain Laurel by seed
April 20, 2006 - I have a Texas Mountain Laurel. I found on this website that the beans are poisonous, but if you plant them, will they grow another Mountain Laurel?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |