It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 12:08 am

All times are UTC - 6 hours




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Toxic Plants
PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2003 10:08 am 
Offline

Joined: Wed Mar 19, 2003 3:30 pm
Posts: 61
Location: Wylie
Does anyone know of a good internet list of toxic and non-toxic plants.

I'm trying ot determine if some of my plants are toxic.

Thanks,

Jeff

_________________
Jeff - Wylie, Texas


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject:
PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2003 10:14 am 
Offline
Moderator
Moderator

Joined: Mon Mar 10, 2003 8:15 am
Posts: 964
Location: Odenville,Alabama
When you say toxic, do you mean toxic to humans or to animals and microbes?

In hot composting processes all toxic plants totally break down into safe, healthy mature compost for all gardening needs.

_________________
The entire Kingdom of God can be totally explained as an Organic Garden (Mark 4:26)
William Cureton


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Poisonous Plants
PostPosted: Wed Aug 13, 2003 10:21 am 
Jeff -
Here are a few links to sites with a pretty good break down of poisonous plants that we use in our landscape and Texas natives. In reality, many of the common plants we use as ornamentals in our landscape, or as houseplants, tend to have some level of toxicity (to either humans or pets). Its one of the best natural defenses a plant can have! But, it is a good idea to know what you have, especially if you have kids and/or pets.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/publications/poison/poison.html

http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/index.htm

http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/comlist.html

http://www.skapa.org/illegal_plants.htm


Top
  
 
 Post subject: Toxicity of plants
PostPosted: Sat Oct 28, 2006 6:40 am 
Offline

Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2004 9:57 pm
Posts: 16
Location: Plano
Hi all -- Wanting to chime in on this topic...We get this question a lot. Most landscape plants are toxic to other living beings. But for the most part your children and pets will not be affected by them if a) you teach them not to eat seed pods and berries and b) the seed pods and berries are too high, beyond their reach. Eve's Necklace, for example, is a beautiful native tree (about the size of a Crape Myrtle but NATIVE to North Central Texas.) It earned its name in part because of the blackish seed pods that dangle off its limbs. The seed pods are toxic to humans if they are ingested. However, they are too difficult for children or pets to reach, and most adults I know aren't inclined to gnaw on their landscape plants. ;-)

Also, check the definition of 'toxicity' for each plant. It's a blanket term that encompasses every malady from skin rash, to upset stomach, etc. In other words, toxic doesn't always mean 'death.'

All this said, perhaps one of the deadliest plants for humans in the landscape industry is Oleander. They are colorful, drought-hardy and relatively maintenance free. They are EVERYWHERE. Many people line the perimeter of their pool with them and in Corpus Christi oleanders fill median areas. People constantly come in contact with this plant, but few are ever affected by it. If you trim it, just remember not to burn the limbs. Or use them for barbecue skewers! You would be affected by the toxins in either case...

Some people have allergic reactions to common landscape plants and should avoid planting them. Lantana causes skin rash for some folks, and although it's a terrific plant, they should veer away from using it in their landscape. You or I, fine. But anyone who discovers a reaction to Lantana should probably find a suitable replacement.

One final thought. Think you're allergic to Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)? Well, this is a common misunderstanding. Actually you are most likely allergic to Ragweed which blooms around the same time as Goldenrod and is often found growing alongside it. Goldenrod doesn't release allergens, and is truly an underused landscape plant. There are multiple species native all over the country, so find one that is native to your area and go with it. Great late summer, fall bloomer. Next time you sneeze, blame the Ragweed not the Goldenrod.


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ] 

All times are UTC - 6 hours


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by eWeblife