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 for north side from Dale TX
February 10, 2012 - What native trees and bushes can I plant on the north side of house? Can I use corn meal( I NEED FIGHT A GRASS) in flowerbed and then plant native wildlife seeds(FLOWERS)?
view the full question and answer
Young oak damaged by falling tree from San Diego TX
June 27, 2012 - My neighbor's Palo Blanco tree was struck by lightning and fell over our fence and on to a young oak tree in our yard. We waited a few days to see if the neighbor would offer help, but he never did,...
view the full question and answer
Christmas decorations on a live oak in Montrose CA
November 18, 2009 - Is it OK to put Christmas lights and decorations on a live oak?
view the full question and answer
Need a native tree for full sun in Hockley, TX
October 27, 2009 - What native trees should I plant for full sun. I am building on a 1/2 acre previously used as grazing land on the original Katy prairie. I need one large shade tree, a few smaller ornamentals, and a...
view the full question and answer
Tree with brown spots on leaves containing caterpillars
July 14, 2011 - We have a new little tree we planted in our yard and I went over to admire it and on each leaf there is a brown spot in which little worms are living. They are alive and moving around in the pocket th...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |