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
Replacing Drought-Stricken Cedars
January 16, 2012 - Hello, I live in Williamson County on a couple acres. We have several dead cedars as a result of drought; we're reluctant to cut them down because many of them provide a friendly barrier between us...
view the full question and answer
Is Nothoscordum bivalve (crow poison, false garlic) really poison
April 02, 2011 - Your Native Plants Database notes that False Garlic (aka, Crow Poison), Nothoscordum bivalve, is poisonous. Many other sites also state this, but I have been unable to find a reference giving specifi...
view the full question and answer
Drought-tolerant plants that are non-toxic to dogs
May 10, 2010 - I am looking for drought-tolerant native plants non-poisonious to dogs. We are putting gardens in an area the dog has access to, and she likes to sample the darndest things. South side of the house,...
view the full question and answer
Is Convolvulus equitans poisonous?
August 22, 2015 - Hello,
Can you tell me if convolvulus equitans is poisonous? If so, can you tell me how poisonous and which parts are poisonous? I am considering putting this in my backyard but I have a dog and an...
view the full question and answer
Dogs developing allergic skin problems in Waco TX
February 24, 2011 - We have 2 West Highland White terriers..since we moved
2 yrs. ago, they have developed TERRIBLE skin problems at
our new home, about 5 miles from our old home, in Waco.
What contact plants, shrub...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |