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_00.gif)
Friday - August 19, 2011
From: Eureka, CA
Region: California
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
Title: Is non-native cotoneaster poisonous to goats from Eureka CA
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
I have heard that cotoneaster is poisonous to goats and other animals. We are trying to get rid of it in our yard, but I was hoping we could use goats to eat it back. What are our options in removing it?ANSWER:
We should begin by saying that Cotoneaster is native to China and the Himalayas and, as such, will not appear in our Native Plant Database. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native to North America. We can provide you with some links that may help you discover if your existing plants are poisonous to goats. We can also suggest an alternate way to get rid of those plants, since that is apparently your intent. Begin by cutting down the existing plants, as close to the soil as you can get. Within 5 minutes, using a disposable sponge paintbrush, brush that exposed trunk surface with a wide-spectrum herbicide. Do not use a spray, and be very careful not to spill or otherwise disperse the herbicide, as you will kill things you did not intend to do. Getting the herbicide on there quickly will allow the substance to enter the plant roots before they heal themselves over for protection. You can repeat this on every plant that is big enough to cut back. and will probably have to do it several times. As sprouts come up, clip or mow them back to the ground. Those sprouts provide leaves to continue to nourish the roots-no sprouts and the roots will eventually die, but not easily. If you don't already own hungry goats, we don't recommend you acquire any.
Gardenweb Forum Why do I hate my cotoneasters?
Previous Mr. Smarty Plants answer on What do goats eat?
From another Mr. Smarty Plants answer:
"Whenever Mr. Smarty Plants gets questions about toxic plants, he checks out these databases to look for answers.
The Merck Veterinary Manual
ASPCA
University of Arkansas
University of Illinois (common names only)
Web site about Dobermans
Toxic Plants of Texas
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
From the University of Arkansas website listed above on Cotoneaster:
Toxicity Category 1 - Plants can cause systemic toxicity varying from mild abdominal cramping to serious cardiac complications.
Toxicity Category 3 - plants usually produce only mild to moderate stomach upset or dermatitis.
More Invasive Plants Questions
Tropical plants for pool landscape in Plano TX
April 05, 2011 - I have a small yard with a pool that I would like to tropically landscape. It faces west (lots of direct sun) and there is about a 3 foot parameter between the fence and the coping. Currently I have...
view the full question and answer
Eucalyptus tree for Spring, Texas
October 31, 2008 - I've heard eucalyptus trees do not lose their leaves in the winter and grow considerably tall. I want to replace a decaying pine tree with a eucalyptus tree. Do you recommend that for the Spring, T...
view the full question and answer
Growing bluebonnets in England
June 08, 2008 - I'm sending some bluebonnet seeds to Norwich England to a dear friend. What time of year should she plant them?
view the full question and answer
Eliminating bamboo in Austin
December 07, 2009 - Everyone should be warned about bamboo and how invasive it is. My neighbor planted it in his back yard and it's now taking over my back yard and all the surrounding yards. He installed a barrier but ...
view the full question and answer
Maintenance of Blue grama in early stages
July 06, 2007 - I am seeding my large back yard with blue grama - 30-45 minutes of almost daily hand weeding for two months keeps me from falling too far behind on the green foxtail, bindweed, elm tree seedlings, pig...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |