Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
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Wednesday - May 25, 2011
From: metairie, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Are banana plants poisonous to dogs in Metarie, LA?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Can a dog die from eating a banana plant that I have growing in my yard?ANSWER:
The scientific name for banana is Musa and there are several cultivars that are grown as ornamentals.
When we get questions about toxic plants, we consult a series of databases to see if the plant in question is listed. (see below)
Toxic Plants Databases
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
The Merck Veterinary Manual Table 05ASPCA dogs & cats
University of Illinois (common names only)
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
I didn't find Musa on any of the lists. This doesn't guarantee that banana plant is non-toxic, but it increases the probablity that it is. You may want to consult a local veterinarian.
The links below list foods that are known to be toxic to dogs.
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