Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_30.gif)
Saturday - February 14, 2009
From: Chicago, IL
Region: Midwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Is resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) toxic?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is Resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla)toxic? Is it safe for children to handle?ANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants couldn't find any reference to Selaginella lepidophylla (flower of stone) in any of our favorite poisonous plant databases:Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
Universiy of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Toxic Plants from University of California-Davis
Nor, could I find any entries by Googling "Selaginella lepidophylla poisonous" or "Selaginella lepidophylla toxic" that indicated it had toxic properties. This, of course, isn't a guarantee that it won't cause a reaction for some person who might be allergic to it, but it is a very good indication that there won't be any serious problems.
You might also be interested in reading the answer to another recent question about the resurrection plant.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Shrubs not toxic to cattle in NJ
December 09, 2013 - I am working to rejuvenate the hedgerows on a farm in New Jersey by removing invasive plants and planting native shrubs. How do I find out which native shrubs are toxic to cattle and should not be pl...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification from Peoria IL
July 10, 2009 - I removed a plant from our workplace that employees were afraid was hallucinogenic seeds. Central Illinois. Very purple stem. Purple flowers. Black seeds. Any ideas?
view the full question and answer
Can poisonous seed of wild plum be safely removed after steaming from Seymour IA
June 20, 2013 - I read on a related questions that you said the pit/seeds of all wild plums are poisonous. My question is this, can I juice the entire fruit for making jelly without removing the pit first? I have a s...
view the full question and answer
Lantana poisonous to people, animals
May 07, 2008 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I read your response to the woman with the cow eating her plants over her neighbors fence. Just so you know- Lantana is poisionous. To humans and cattle. You recommended it as a...
view the full question and answer
What tree berries causes blisters in PA?
July 22, 2009 - This summer my family was playing with some berries picked from a tree in our backyard. They would place them in their mouths and shoot them through homemade pea-shooters. Shortly after everyone beg...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |