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.
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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.
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Monday - October 19, 2015
From: Sun Lakes, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Cacti and Succulents
Title: Puncture wound from Blue Agave leaf.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
A blue agave leave went through my glove and into my hand. It's swelled up a bit and hurts. Is this just a passing thing.ANSWER:
The mission of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes.
The question that you have needs to be addressed to either your Doctor or other Health Care Professional (which I hope you have done by now). The spine of the leaf could have inserted bacteria into your hand which could lead to infection. The juice of some agave can cause contact dermatitis on the skin, but the plant itself is not toxic.
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August 21, 2008 - In a flower box, I have an Agave on which the leaves have been damaged. It looks as if a deer rubbed his antlers on it. Is there any animal in south central Texas that would try to eat an agave?
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