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
Wednesday - August 15, 2012
From: Los Angeles, CA
Region: California
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Trees
Title: Is Lemon Cypress toxic?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is the Lemon Cypress toxic?ANSWER:
Lemon cypress is a cultivar of Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress), a native of California. It does not appear on any of the following toxic plant databases:
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Cornell University's Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Other Animals
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
University of Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants
California Poison Control System
However, I did find some reports saying the Cupressus macrocarpa caused spontaneous abortions in cattle in New Zealand. The FDA Poisonous Plant Database has a report of poisoning of cattle in New Zealand and in Australia:
MacDonald, J. (1956) Macrocarpa poisoning. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 4:30.
Sloss, V. and J. W. Brady (1983). Abnormal births in cattle following ingestion of Cupressus macrocarpa foliage. Australian Veterinary Journal 60 (7):223.
USDA ARS Poisonous Plant Research database reports a paper stating that the consumption by cattle of Monterey cypress causes abortions. [Lee, S. T. et al. (2003) Development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Isocupressic Acid and Serum Metabolites of Isocupresssic Acid. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.]
It does appear that Cupressus macrocarpa, if eaten, poses a threat to pregnant cattle; but I could find no indication that it is toxic to humans. It would seem prudent, however, NOT to consume it.
More Trees Questions
Plants wilting too quickly in Toledo OH
May 27, 2012 - The garden I have had recent issues with plants wilting all too quickly. I would like to know what types of plants would be hearty for the climate in Toledo, Ohio. I have a partly sunny front yard and...
view the full question and answer
Screen Tree for Lockhart, TX.
March 30, 2015 - What is a good screening tree for a ranch in the Lockhart area that won't get much water.
view the full question and answer
Plants in bloom in April in Stuart FL
February 24, 2012 - Can you tell me which plants I might reasonably expect to see in bloom in April of this year?
view the full question and answer
Jelly made from local plums from Amarillo TX
July 29, 2011 - On Wednesday, August 5, 2009 you answered a question on native plants in the Austin area in which you wrote:"Two kinds of local plums have also been used to make jellies: Mexican Plum (Prunus mexican...
view the full question and answer
Trees suited for rocky, caliche soil of Central Texas
September 20, 2011 - I need to replace aging ashes. I have planted 2 Monterey oaks, but I would like to know what else I could plant whose roots will grow well in NW Austin caliche, rocky soil?
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |