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.
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.
rate this answer
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 Poisonous Plants Questions
Can hackberry twigs and leaves be safely used in compost?
March 05, 2009 - If Hackberry trees and leaves have growth inhibiting compounds, should they not be used in compost piles?
view the full question and answer
Is Penstemon cobaea poisonous
May 12, 2009 - Is Penstemon cobaea Nutt or Wild foxglove poisonous like real fox glove? It is on a playground and Im concerned that it may not be safe for children.
view the full question and answer
Getting rid of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac
July 30, 2011 - How can I rid my yard of poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac? I have tried roundup, poison ivy roundup and even a clorox solution and nothing seems to kill it, I keep seeing it come up. Any help ...
view the full question and answer
Toxicity of Peruvian Lilies (Alstroemeria sp) for food decoration
September 04, 2006 - Hi, I am trying to find out if I can decorate a cake using live alstroemeria laid on top of the icing. I would not want to eat the flower, just lay it on top to look pretty before removing and servi...
view the full question and answer
Palm tip wound in Sacramento CA
June 25, 2009 - My husband was stuck in his calf with a palm leaf, he is now complaining of stiffness where it went in, is there any kind of poison in it?
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |