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 - May 25, 2011
From: metairie, LA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Are banana plants poisonous to dogs in Metarie, LA?
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Can a dog die from eating a banana plant that I have growing in my yard?ANSWER:
The scientific name for banana is Musa and there are several cultivars that are grown as ornamentals.
When we get questions about toxic plants, we consult a series of databases to see if the plant in question is listed. (see below)
Toxic Plants Databases
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
The Merck Veterinary Manual Table 05ASPCA dogs & cats
University of Illinois (common names only)
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
I didn't find Musa on any of the lists. This doesn't guarantee that banana plant is non-toxic, but it increases the probablity that it is. You may want to consult a local veterinarian.
The links below list foods that are known to be toxic to dogs.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Is Loropetalum poisonous to horses in Lake City FL?
October 26, 2010 - Is loropetalum poisonous to horses? I know it is a member of the witch hazel family but cannot find a definitive answer about loropetalum itself.
Thank you!
view the full question and answer
Spreading Poison Oak to Clothes and Shoes
May 31, 2013 - I had a poison oak rash about 2 years ago and during that time I had to attend a wedding. At the wedding I wore a pair of dress shoes and a pair of cowboy boots. Can I wear these shoes again? Is there...
view the full question and answer
Reaction to something in the garden from Dowling MI
May 25, 2012 - In late March I was working in my yard raking etc. The next morning I had three black spots between my knee and shin that were swelling and feverish. Two days later the areas became bigger and began...
view the full question and answer
Affect of poisonous plant roots in soils for vegetables from Rusk TX
May 11, 2013 - I have a huge old flowerbed in front of my house that I want to plant veggies in, but I'm afraid to. It has a catalpa tree there, which I sell the worms from, but the entire tree (bark, leaves, flowe...
view the full question and answer
Cenizo safe for consumption by parrots from Phoenix AZ
April 30, 2012 - Could you tell me if Cenizo, (Leucophyllum frutescens) branches and leaves can be fed to pets? (parrots)I read the leaves were often used for tea for humans, but can't find an information if safe fo...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |