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_31.gif)
Friday - November 21, 2008
From: CHARLESTON, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Are crepe myrtles (Lagerstroemia sp.) toxic to horses?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Are crepe myrtle trees toxic to horses ?ANSWER:
The crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.) is native to Asia, and as such, is not really in our area of expertise. Due to the large volume of questions we receive we generally limit our answers to questions dealing with North American native species. However, I can steer you to sources that can answer your question. There are several toxic plant databases listed below. You can check for crape myrtle on these lists. Please note that the absence of Lagerstroemia sp. from these lists does not guarantee that it is non-toxic to horses, but not finding it on the lists makes it less likely to be toxic. To search the lists, I recommend using the scientific name since those names are generally standard, whereas the common names often vary in spelling and usage.Universtiy of Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants Database
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Cornell University's Plants Poisonous to Livestock and other Animals
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
Additionally, here are databases that are specific for poisonous plants to horses.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Is non-native cotoneaster poisonous to goats from Eureka CA
August 19, 2011 - I have heard that cotoneaster is poisonous to goats and other animals. We are trying to get rid of it in our yard, but I was hoping we could use goats to eat it back. What are our options in removin...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Star Jasmine poisonous to dogs from Dallas
May 20, 2013 - Is star jasmine poisonous to dogs?
view the full question and answer
Can poisonous seed of wild plum be safely removed after steaming from Seymour IA
June 20, 2013 - I read on a related questions that you said the pit/seeds of all wild plums are poisonous. My question is this, can I juice the entire fruit for making jelly without removing the pit first? I have a s...
view the full question and answer
Plum trees (Prunus spp.) poisonous to horses
June 08, 2008 - Are fruitless plum trees poisonous to horses
view the full question and answer
Wound from non-native date palm thorn Naples FL
November 12, 2012 - Was trimming my pygmy date palm when a frond fell and a thorn pierced my rubber gloves and stuck me in the web of skin between my thumb and forefinger. Did not see a broken thorn but area where struc...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |