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 - April 25, 2007
From: Venus, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Safety of Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel tree) for parrots
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Do you have any information on the possible toxicity of Baccharis halimifolia (Groundsel tree, sea myrtle) most especially the trunks/branches? We have it all over our property, and I'm curious if it would be safe to give to my parrots because they love to destroy wood, etc.ANSWER:
You can find several databases online that have lists of both safe plants and toxic plants for birds. Here are three:Baccharis halimifolia (eastern baccharis) doesn't appear on either the "safe" or the "toxic" lists on the databases listed above. You can Google the phrase "toxic plants birds" and find more lists. However, I think your best bet would be to pick something from one of "safe" lists to give your parrots rather than experiment with B. halimifolia.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Plant ID of unknown purchased plant from Boise ID
June 24, 2012 - Hi! I bought a tree that the sales person didnt know what it was. I thought it was a cherry tree and now after about 3-4 yrs I know it is but..How do I know if it is an ornamental tree or real fruit t...
view the full question and answer
Is non-native mascagnia macroptera poisonous to animals from Hockley TX
February 17, 2014 - Is Mascagmia macroptra (Butterfly Vine) poisonous to animals (horses and dogs)?
view the full question and answer
Are non-native Chinese pistache poisonous to alpacas from Galt CA
October 07, 2012 - Are Chinese Pistachio trees poisonous to alpacas?
view the full question and answer
Shade trees not toxic to dogs in Kempner TX
August 21, 2013 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants, we are looking for shade trees to plant around our home in Kempner, Tx. I saw another family that asked a similar question but we have dogs and holly or oak trees are toxic (my...
view the full question and answer
Dogs developing allergic skin problems in Waco TX
February 24, 2011 - We have 2 West Highland White terriers..since we moved
2 yrs. ago, they have developed TERRIBLE skin problems at
our new home, about 5 miles from our old home, in Waco.
What contact plants, shrub...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |