Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Sunday - February 21, 2016

From: Las Vegas, NV
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Is Penstemon Poisonous to Dogs?
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

Is Penstemon palmeri poisonous to dogs? I couldn't find in ASPA guide.

ANSWER:

Although Penstemon is not listed on the ASPA guide to toxic and non-toxic plants,there is information online that Penstemon does accumulate Selenium and additional information that an excess of Selenium is not healthy for pets. So it would be wise to keep your dogs away from Penstemon if you can.

The Sheltr Group website has a different comment about Penstemon that you might be interested in hearing ... "Certain plants react poorly to dog urine. These include: Penstemon, heuchera and Woodwardia."

 

From the Image Gallery


Palmer's penstemon
Penstemon palmeri

Palmer's penstemon
Penstemon palmeri

Palmer's penstemon
Penstemon palmeri

Fuzzy-tongue penstemon
Penstemon eriantherus

More Herbs/Forbs Questions

Why does newly transplanted Brazos Penstemon look bad
June 09, 2015 - I bought Brazos penstemon from a nursery as well as several other drought resistant plants. I have noticed new buds on the salvia and blanket flower and changes in leaf color on the kaleidoscope, but...
view the full question and answer

Lilies not blooming from Austin
May 03, 2013 - Last December 8, you published a letter in the Statesman that I had written to you regarding Rain Lilies, Oxblood Lilies, and Copper Lilies. The were sprouting in my garage in a bag. You recommended...
view the full question and answer

Landscaping in Avalon TX
January 23, 2013 - I just bought my first and last home in Avalon Texas. I am looking forward to starting my garden. I am interested in all year around flowers. however I am in the country, when it rains, my yard becom...
view the full question and answer

Penta and licorice plants for Austin
May 04, 2009 - For Austin location Are you familiar with a small flowering plant called Penta? How about Licorice? If yes, could you provide growing conditions. Thanks
view the full question and answer

Failure of tall garden phlox buds to open in St. Louis MO
July 30, 2009 - Why won't the buds of my tall garden phlox open? Plants are apparently healthy, no powdery mildew or visible insects, foliage looks great and buds are profuse but they don't open. I have two clumps ...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.