Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
1 rating

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

Toxic Plants of Texas

Poisonous Plants of North Carolina   

The Merck Veterinary Manual  Table 05ASPCA   dogs & cats  

Wikipedia

University of Arkansas 

University of Illinois  (common names only)   

Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock

University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants

Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System

California Poison Action Line

Earth Clinic

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.

The Holistic Dog

Entirely Pets

 

 

 

More Poisonous Plants Questions

Are Castor Bean Leaves Toxic to Pets?
September 13, 2014 - I understand that the beans of the castor plant on lethal if chewed on. Are the leaves that toxic? I would love to plant this plant and not let it flower, but I do have visiting grandchildren and dog...
view the full question and answer

Is Rosa rugosa poisonous?
August 04, 2007 - Are beach plums from a Rosa rogosa poisonous?
view the full question and answer

Are leatherleaf viburnum or Carolina Sapphire toxic to horses?
October 03, 2009 - Are Leather-leaf Viburnum or Carolina Saphire toxic to equine? I would like to plant them near the fence line.
view the full question and answer

Is Echinacea poisonous to cats?
May 01, 2008 - Is the echinacea plant poisonous to cats?
view the full question and answer

Are Carolina jessamine flowers toxic to bees?
March 08, 2016 - Hello Mr. Smarty Plants, My husband and I recently planted 15 yellow Carolina Jessamine bushes along our back fence. Our hope is that it will vine up into the fence and give us privacy. I went online...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.