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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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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!

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Tuesday - October 15, 2013

From: Harrisburh, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
Title: Juniperus Toxic to Pets?
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

Are blue rug juniper plants toxic to dogs?

ANSWER:

The University of California - Davis list Juniperus (Junipers) in their Safe and Poisonous Garden Plants list as having a minor toxicity (class 2) for pets and children. This rating means ingestion of these plants may cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea. If ingested, call the Poison Control Center or your doctor.

The ASPA list of Toxic and Non-toxic plants to Dogs does not list any Juniperus.

If you suspect that you dog is exhibiting unusual side effects from consuming any plant take them to the veterinarian immediately.

Blue Rug Juniper is a cultivar ('Wiltonii') of Juniperus horizontalis and more information about growing the plant can be found on our website.