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_22.gif)
Wednesday - June 26, 2013
From: Los Angeles, CA
Region: California
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Major poisonous plants in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi! So I'm working on an art project that requires a comprehensive list of poisonous plants within California. I'm looking specifically however, for plants which are fatally poisonous (upon ingestion), and that are either native (preferably) or simply ubiquitous within California. I'm having a hard time finding such a list - if you could point me in the right direction, I'm willing to explore all venues. Thank you!ANSWER:
California Poison Control has a list of Toxic Plants with toxicity ratings in their Know Your Plants publication. The ones designated as "4" are defined as Major with this explanation:
"Ingestion of these plants, especially in large amounts, is expected to cause serious effects to the heart, liver, kidneys or brain. If ingested in any amount, call the poison center immediately."
Some of the plants on the list are native and some are not. You can determine which are native and which are non-native introduced species by searching the USDA Plants Database using the scientific name. Look for "Native Status" near the top left corner on each species' page. It will indicate "N" native or "I" introduced.
You can determine more about the nature of the toxicity of the plant by checking (again, use the scientific name) on the following toxic plant databases. Note that many of the toxic plant databases are geared towards livestock and not necessarily human concerns.
Poisonous Plants and Mushrooms of North Carolina
Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Other Animals–Cornell University
Poisonous Plants–Montana Plant Life
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants–University of Pennsylvania
Veterinary Medicine Library–University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Are mountain laurel beans safe to use as rattles with small children?
September 19, 2012 - Is it safe to use the mountain laurel mescalbean pods as shakers or rattles, as long as the pods are not open and the seeds left unexposed?
If a small child (very small, who has no way to open the ...
view the full question and answer
Indoor and Outdoor, Fast Growing Plants for California
October 22, 2015 - I’m looking for the best plants for me. I have small kids so they would have to be safe. I would like them to be able to grow inside or outside. I would love for them to grow fast and reproduce fast.
view the full question and answer
Identity of poisonous thorn bush in Montgomery Texas
May 29, 2012 - What is the name of a poisonous thorn bush in Montgomery Texas?
view the full question and answer
Lantana poisonous to people, animals
May 07, 2008 - Mr. Smarty Plants,
I read your response to the woman with the cow eating her plants over her neighbors fence. Just so you know- Lantana is poisionous. To humans and cattle. You recommended it as a...
view the full question and answer
Is Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) known to cause skin irritation
July 23, 2013 - Is Crossvine (Bignonia capreolata L.) known to cause a rash? We are trying to identify the source of a rash-after-gardening, and have not seen any of the big three (poison ivy, poison oak, poison suma...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |