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_20.gif)
Wednesday - May 06, 2009
From: McAlpin, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Trees
Title: Are Black Olive trees safe to have in pastures in Florida
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
I am trying to find out if Black Olive trees will be safe to have in our yard and/or pastures. We raise cattle, goats and horses. We need to find some good shade trees that are safe for our animals as well as having low water requirements..our soil is clay and sand mostly.ANSWER:
Since you live in Florida, Mr. Smarty Plants is assuming that the the Black Olive you are referring to is Bucida buceras (gregorywood) . See images. Some consider it a native to the US, but others do not. It is a 40 to 50-foot evergreen tree with a smooth trunk that supports strong, wind resistant branches.
As to the question of toxicity, I've listed several toxic plant databases below. You can check for Black Olive on these lists. Please note that the absence of Black Olive from these lists does not guarantee that it is non-toxic to horses, but not finding it on the lists makes it less likely to be toxic. To search the lists, I recommend using the scientific name (Bucida buceras) since those names are generally standard, whereas the common names often vary in spelling and usage.
Universtiy of Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants Database
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Cornell University's Plants Poisonous to Livestock and other Animals
Additionally, here are databases that are specific for poisonous plants to horses.
More Trees Questions
Evergreen for inland San Diego, California
November 28, 2009 - I'm looking for an evergreen tree for my inland San Diego residence, 30 foot max height, growth speed is not important. I had decided on the carrotwood until I found your site and discovered the prob...
view the full question and answer
Mountain Laurel not growing in Hallettesville, TX.
September 16, 2012 - Mountain laurel has been planted over 2 years. Well drained,sandy soil, full sun. They have not grown or set blooms despite occasional all purpose fertilizers. What is wrong?
view the full question and answer
Tiny holes oozing sap from Austin
August 22, 2012 - My ash tree becomes loaded with butterflies on the trunk. At closer inspection, I see they are drinking sap which is coming from small holes in the trunk. Are the butterflies creating the holes? I ...
view the full question and answer
Growing live oaks from acorns
January 25, 2010 - What is the best way to grow Live Oaks from acorns?
view the full question and answer
Small tree for Northern California backyard
March 05, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I'm looking for a small tree for backyard (west side of house). I'm replacing a Calif.Laurel which is not doing well because it is planted on a downward slope and gets too m...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |