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 is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Tuesday - December 27, 2011
From: Indianapolis, IN
Region: Midwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Vines
Title: Is there a vine in Indiana with poisonous thorns?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I was cut at the left big toe by a brownish/red thorny vine while tracking thru dry grass near the bridge exiting 278. I'm from Indianapolis, in 46208. Was wondering if I was exposed to a poisonous vine. Cleaned up and sanitized well. Nevertheless still swollen after 5 days.ANSWER:
We recently answered the question: "Are there any plants in North America that possess poisonous thorns?" The answer for your situation is "no, not really." My guess is that you ran into a Smilax bona-nox (Saw greenbrier) vine or a long branch of one of the species of Rubus (blackberry, raspberry, dewberry) that grows in Indiana. These both have formidable thorns on them and hurt a lot if your flesh comes in contact with them. Their thorns, however, are not poisonous. Puncture wounds in flesh caused by any sharp object have the potential to get infected from bacteria introduced into the wound. There could even be a small bit of thorn that broke off in the wound. If your toe is still swollen, my advice to you is to go see a doctor.
More Vines Questions
Identification of heartleaf vine
May 16, 2010 - Howdy!
I had a plant that I would like to replace but I don't know what it is, I was hoping you could help. It was a climbing vine with large (>6") heart-shaped leaves. The underside of the leaves ...
view the full question and answer
Is Matelea reticulata invasive? Will it take over a crossvine?
June 11, 2014 - I have 50 feet of fencing with a healthy crop of cross vine on it.
Pearl milkweed (I believe it is Matelea reticulata) is growing into portions of the cross vine.
Is the milkweed too invasive for th...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on pruning Clematis
August 26, 2005 - I would like to know about pruning clematis. The one I have is getting very large. Should I cut it back, and if so, in the Spring or Fall? I live in Michigan. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Identification of vining shrub near Fort Worth
August 07, 2015 - Please let me know what this plant might be. Saw it one county west of Ft. Worth, in a wooded area, and I've never seen this in this region before.
The form is a vining shrub. Leaves are heart-sh...
view the full question and answer
Smarty Plants on teddy bear vine
April 13, 2005 - I am looking for a plant called teddy bear vine. The
scientific name is Cyanotis kewensis.
I had one a long time ago (20+ years) and I loved
it, but I can't find another one or find out whe...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |