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.
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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.
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Wednesday - June 26, 2013
From: Los Angeles, CA
Region: California
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Major poisonous plants in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
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 ingestion), and that are either native (preferably) or simply ubiquitous within California. I'm having a hard time finding such a list - if you could point me in the right direction, I'm willing to explore all venues. Thank you!ANSWER:
California Poison Control has a list of Toxic Plants with toxicity ratings in their Know Your Plants publication. The ones designated as "4" are defined as Major with this explanation:
"Ingestion of these plants, especially in large amounts, is expected to cause serious effects to the heart, liver, kidneys or brain. If ingested in any amount, call the poison center immediately."
Some of the plants on the list are native and some are not. You can determine which are native and which are non-native introduced species by searching the USDA Plants Database using the scientific name. Look for "Native Status" near the top left corner on each species' page. It will indicate "N" native or "I" introduced.
You can determine more about the nature of the toxicity of the plant by checking (again, use the scientific name) on the following toxic plant databases. Note that many of the toxic plant databases are geared towards livestock and not necessarily human concerns.
Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North Carolina
Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Other Animals–Cornell University
Poisonous Plants–Montana Plant Life
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants–University of Pennsylvania
Veterinary Medicine Library–University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Is any part of flowering peach (Prunus persica) toxic to dogs
April 26, 2009 - I know that peach pits and wilting leaves are poisonous to dogs, but can you tell me if any part of the Red Flowering Peach Tree (no fruit) is toxic?
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Tropical looking plants for pool area in California
November 14, 2008 - I am looking for small tropical looking plants, groundcover, and 2-small trees for around my pool. They have to be non-toxic to dogs,cats, and people. They can't attract bees/wasps, or have a root ...
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Kousa Dogwood Fruit Toxic to Dogs?
October 14, 2014 - Are Kousa dogwood berries toxic to dogs?
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Digging wild buttercup from roadside in Mechanicsville MD
May 28, 2012 - Mr. Smarty Plants, is it illegal to dig out wild buttercup in Maryland? I see them along the dirt road or just in the ditch. Since buttercup considered weed, I'm wondering what the law say about this...
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Are seeds of trumpet vine poisonous from Creston BC
September 12, 2013 - Are the seeds in the trumpet vines pods poisonous to humans or can I use them as dried beans? I have one plant that covers most of my house's south wall. It is a very established plant.
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