Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Your gift keeps resources like this database thriving!

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?

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
Not Yet Rated

Monday - April 30, 2012

From: Phoenix, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
Title: Cenizo safe for consumption by parrots from Phoenix AZ
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Could you tell me if Cenizo, (Leucophyllum frutescens) branches and leaves can be fed to pets? (parrots)I read the leaves were often used for tea for humans, but can't find an information if safe for parrots.

ANSWER:

If Mr. Smarty Plants were Mr. Smarty Birds, we would probably have the answer to your question on the tip of our tongues. As it is, we know quite a lot about Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo) and virtually zip about parrots.

We found an article from the World Parrot Trust on household substances poisonous to parrots, which included plants poisonous to parrots. You can search that list on scientific names and Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo) did not appear. We found no indication anywhere that Cenizo has any poisonous parts.

This article, Safe Plants and Toxic Plants for Pet Birds by Eleanor Mc Caffrey, adds to the information, but still doesn't mention Cenizo, one way or another. If your parrots have a veterinarian, he/she might be able to help you also.

 

More Shrubs Questions

Shrubs growing in riparian areas of Hudson River, NY
August 04, 2009 - What are the five most common native shrubs that grow in riparian areas in Hudson Valley? Interested especially in plants that grow near/along the Hudson River (as opposed to inland woodland freshwate...
view the full question and answer

What grows in Tampa FL
July 01, 2013 - Please let me know what grows in the backyard in Tampa, FL to provide screening and privacy?
view the full question and answer

Young yaupon trunks bending in Houston
April 26, 2010 - I have new yaupon in this their second summer which are bending over about half-way up their trunk, at around two feet - do I trim them or stake them?
view the full question and answer

Non-native dwarf palm leaves yellowing in Katy TX
March 30, 2013 - 1 month ago we planted dwarf palms, the leaves are turning yellow, does this mean we are over watering them? If so how much water do they require? Is there anything we can give them? We also have a fa...
view the full question and answer

Distinguishing American from Chinese beautyberry from Huntsville AL
August 03, 2012 - How can I tell American beautyberry from Chinese beautyberry when trying to purchase strictly native plants?
view the full question and answer

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