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_40.gif)
Tuesday - May 29, 2012
From: Montgomery, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Identity of poisonous thorn bush in Montgomery Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is the name of a poisonous thorn bush in Montgomery Texas?ANSWER:
If you are asking what bush in Montgomery, Texas has poisonous thorns, then I would have to say that there aren't any native shrubs that have poisonous thorns. We recently answered a couple of questions on the subject of plants with poisonous thorns. Here are links to questions #7663 and to #7716. Also, you can search the Botanical Dermatology Database (BoDD) for plants with poisonous thorns. If you experienced swelling and soreness after being pierced by a thorn from a shrub, it is likely due to the fact that a puncture wound can become infected from bacteria introduced by the thorn. Also, there could be a bit of thorn still within the wound.
There are shrubs/trees that are poisonous if eaten (fruit, leaves, flowers) that also have thorns. Here are a few:
Robinia pseudoacacia (Black locust)
Aralia spinosa (Devil's walkingstick)
Poncirus trifoliata (Trifoliate orange)
If you are experiencing discomfort from contact with a thorn, you should see a doctor.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Shade trees not toxic to dogs in Kempner TX
August 21, 2013 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants, we are looking for shade trees to plant around our home in Kempner, Tx. I saw another family that asked a similar question but we have dogs and holly or oak trees are toxic (my...
view the full question and answer
Poison ivy? vine in NJ
July 30, 2012 - I have a vine growing among some vegetation in my backyard. It has a leaf with 3 "points" with ridges along its edges. The smaller leaves are reddish which is why I thought poison ivy but definite...
view the full question and answer
Safe grazing for donkeys and goats from Osteen FL
June 30, 2012 - I am having a very difficult time trying to find shrubs, hedges, plants, flowers, or trees etc. that are safe for donkeys and goats. We live in Zone 9 and have a small farm. I've had to pull every ...
view the full question and answer
Mosaic virus in Poke Salad in East Texas
April 20, 2008 - I live in a rural East Texas, and have an abundance of Poke Salad. If you know how to prepare it, it's a springtime treat for anyone who enjoys veggies. However, for the last few years, many of the o...
view the full question and answer
Agave attenuata Poisonous?
March 12, 2015 - Is Agave attenuata (foxtail agave) poisonous to horses or humans?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |