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
Thursday - October 20, 2011
From: cha, NC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Lantana induced rash
Answered by: Anne Ruggles
QUESTION:
What should I use for a rash caused by a Lantana scratch on my armANSWER:
The genus Lantana (commonly known as lantana) includes more than 150 species of hairy-leaved and often prickly-stemmed shrubs and herbaceous perennials in the verbena family (Verbenaceae) that are native to tropical America. The hairs on the leaves can cause contact dermatitis (usually minor skin irritation) in some people. The berries are poisonous to people and animals.
The University of North Carolina has a complete description of Lantana and a key to the poisonous plants of North Carolina.
The Texas Poison Control Center lists the plant as poisonous and an irritant on contact and recommend that anyone encountering a problem call their hot line for more information.
The Mayo Clinic has directions for treatment of contact dermatitis. They further recommend, as you have no doubt already figured out, avoiding contact by complete avoidance or wearing gloves and long-sleeved shirt when handling the plant.
The National Health Service of the United Kingdom also has a series of recommendations for treating contact dermatitis.
From the Image Gallery
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Member of Taxus genus native to southern Illinois from Granite City IL
July 12, 2013 - Is there a native Southern Illinois similar to Taxus baccata? I live in Granite City IL and am looking for a native plant/scrub that stays green year round about 2-3 feet tall to it helps insulate the...
view the full question and answer
Major poisonous plants in California
June 26, 2013 - Hi!
So I'm working on an art project that requires a comprehensive list of poisonous plants within California. I'm looking specifically however, for plants which are fatally poisonous (upon inges...
view the full question and answer
Plants for exotic pets
May 14, 2012 - I need to know what are some good native non-toxic plants for these species:
Porcelain roach (Gyna lurida) from Kenya, Africa.
Giant cave roach (Blaberus giganteus) from Central and South Americ...
view the full question and answer
Will Hellebores planted in the soil near vegetables transfer poisons to them?
April 29, 2015 - I just planted helleborus in my garden and have now read that they are toxic. They are planted near vegetable plants, will they affect the vegetables and leave them inedible? Also, are they toxic to d...
view the full question and answer
Is it safe to eat vegetables grown in the same bed as foxgloves?
August 12, 2012 - I have foxglove in my flower beds and have planted tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and cantaloupe in the flower bed and now I am concerned about the shared root system. Also, my tomatoes are touching the...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |