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_11.gif)
Sunday - June 09, 2013
From: Madison, WI
Region: Midwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Vines
Title: Vines non-poisonous to dogs from Madison WI
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Are there any vines or crawlers that are non poisonous to dogs? Everything I am finding is poisonous, I want to plant some vines up a fence on their kennel run.ANSWER:
We will first go to our Native Plant Database, scroll down the page to the Combination Search, and select Wisconsin for State and "vines" for Habit. Since we do not know what the sunlight is where you wish to plant them or what soils you have, we will just check the USDA Plant Profile on each vine we select to make sure it will grow in the area of Dane County, which should ensure that the soils, climate and rainfall are appropriate for that plant. You will need to follow each plant link to our webpage on that plant to check the growing conditions, light requirements, etc.
Vines for Wisconsin:
Campsis radicans (Trumpet creeper)
Clematis occidentalis var. occidentalis (Purple clematis)
Vitis riparia (Riverbank grape)
Polygonum scandens (Climbing false buckwheat)
This is not very many, but all we could find for southern Wisconsin. If you have difficulty finding the plants you want, go to our National Suppliers Directory, put your town and state or just your zipcode in the "Enter Search Location" box and click on GO. You will get a list of native plant nurseries, seed companies and consultants in your general area. All will have contact information so you can check their stock before you go.
None of the vines we selected had any indication on our webpage that they were poisonous, but you should still search the below databases, using the scientific name for each plant, such as Vitis riparia.
Here are several plant databases on toxic plants, incuding one for dogs:
Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List – Dogs
University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
This doesn't necessarily mean that it wouldn't have a detrimental effect on your dog if he/she ate a large quantity of the plant; however, since it doesn't occur on any of the toxic plant databases, it isn't likely to be a serious reaction.
We would suggest that you also check with your veterinarian to make sure some locally-grown plant has not shown poisonous characteristics.
From the Image Gallery
More Vines Questions
Want to identify thorny vines growing in Charlotte Hall, MD
April 25, 2013 - I have vines with thorns growing in my wood, vining around the trees and killing them. It grows and vines go up trees of any height all the way to the top. It has green pointy leaves. If it doesn't...
view the full question and answer
California native vine
June 21, 2008 - Hello, I am looking for a california native vine that can "cover" a wrought iron fence. I would like a vine that does not require too much care and can handle a fair amount of sun exposure.
view the full question and answer
Carolina Jasmine failing to turn green in Pleasant Garden NC
April 26, 2011 - We planted Carolina Jasmine last year and it did great. This Spring we only have about 2-3 small green leaves beginning on the vines. We did not cut them back in the Fall. Is it time for them to be tu...
view the full question and answer
Vines for a Chicago Pergola in Zone 5
November 28, 2015 - I'm looking for some recommendations of vines for my south-facing pergola. I live in a northwest suburb of Chicago, in Zone 5 with heavy clay soil.
view the full question and answer
Is the fruit of Melothria pendula edible?
November 22, 2014 - Is the fruit of Melothria pendula edible?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |