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_00.gif)
Wednesday - August 15, 2012
From: Los Angeles, CA
Region: California
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Trees
Title: Is Lemon Cypress toxic?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Is the Lemon Cypress toxic?ANSWER:
Lemon cypress is a cultivar of Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey cypress), a native of California. It does not appear on any of the following toxic plant databases:
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Cornell University's Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Other Animals
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
University of Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants
California Poison Control System
However, I did find some reports saying the Cupressus macrocarpa caused spontaneous abortions in cattle in New Zealand. The FDA Poisonous Plant Database has a report of poisoning of cattle in New Zealand and in Australia:
MacDonald, J. (1956) Macrocarpa poisoning. New Zealand Veterinary Journal 4:30.
Sloss, V. and J. W. Brady (1983). Abnormal births in cattle following ingestion of Cupressus macrocarpa foliage. Australian Veterinary Journal 60 (7):223.
USDA ARS Poisonous Plant Research database reports a paper stating that the consumption by cattle of Monterey cypress causes abortions. [Lee, S. T. et al. (2003) Development of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays for Isocupressic Acid and Serum Metabolites of Isocupresssic Acid. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.]
It does appear that Cupressus macrocarpa, if eaten, poses a threat to pregnant cattle; but I could find no indication that it is toxic to humans. It would seem prudent, however, NOT to consume it.
More Trees Questions
Planting Anacacho orchid tree in Llano, TX
October 05, 2011 - Re Bauhinia lunarioides:
I'm trying to pick a good site in Llano Co for a 5 gal tree I received as a gift. Your plant database says part shade. The arid zone trees publication you reference in a...
view the full question and answer
What are the grey-green plants on oak trees in San Marcos, TX?
March 12, 2011 - The oak trees in the neighborhood in San Marcos, TX, are covered with clumps, or balls, of gray/green fluffy-looking plants. they remind me of bromeliads. You can pull and knock them off; after wind ...
view the full question and answer
Will a gift yucca survive in Northwest Arkansas?
June 28, 2011 - Had received a yucca tree as a gift and wondering if it will survive in the ground here in northwest Arkansas. It has a complete tropical look compared to my regular yucca plants. I believe it's actu...
view the full question and answer
Desert Willow tree for Plano, TX
March 03, 2013 - I live near Dallas, Texas. I have a small Desert Willow tree that I would like to plant. What is the root system of this tree like? Would I be able to plant it near our patio? How far from the house'...
view the full question and answer
Garden instructions from Austin
June 12, 2013 - I'm a beginning gardener putting in some new landscaping in my front yard in north central Austin, TX. The yard faces almost due east, so it gets full sun until early afternoon, when the house's sha...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |