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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

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

Search Smarty Plants

See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

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!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer

5 ratings

Monday - August 09, 2010

From: Houston, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Is non-native Japanese Blueberry tree fruit poisonous to cats and dogs from Houston
Answered by: Barbara Medford

QUESTION:

Are Japanese Blueberry Tree fruit poisonous? I have dogs and cats and I was concerned if they ate them. I also live in the Houston, TX area.

ANSWER:

Elaeocarpus deciphens, Japanese Blueberry Tree, is native to New Zealand, and therefore out of the range of expertise of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Because we are committed to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native to North America, we have no information on this plant. We will give you a list of websites that list some plants poisonous to small animals, and you can search on those. You should be warned that, especially for a non-native plant, the fact that it is not on one of these lists does not guarantee that it is not toxic.

ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

Pawprints and Purrs Plants and Pets Toxic Listing

Petfinder.com Things Poisonous to Pets

ASCPA Poison Control Center

Suite 101.com Toxic Plants and Pets