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_30.gif)
Monday - July 03, 2006
From: Kansas City, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Plants for dog-safe privacy hedge in Missouri
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in Missouri and would like to put a "living fence" around my yard for some privacy. Ideally, I want something that is going to grow fast so that I don't have to wait years and years for my "fence" to be complete. I'd prefer something native, and also have dogs, so I need to make sure that nothing with poisonous berries or leaves is in the yard. Any suggestions?ANSWER:
Here are six suggestions for you of shrubs/small trees native to Missouri. The first three are reported to be fast growing:1. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
2. Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius)
3. Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica)
4. Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
5. Possum haw (Ilex decidua)
6. Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium)
You can also see and read about Spicebush, Ninebark, Fragrant sumac, Gray dogwood, Possum haw, and Black haw in the Native Plants Database.
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Non-native vines poisonous from Bakersfield CA
May 17, 2013 - Are pink bower vines and stars and stripes mandevilla
toxic to dogs?
view the full question and answer
Thorn in the hand in Benton KY
June 14, 2010 - My husband got stuck by a thorn on a thorn bush and the thorn was a goldish copper color. There is a knot on his hand and pain in his fingers to his elbow. Do you know what kind of bush this could b...
view the full question and answer
Precautions to take with Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Arisaema triphyllum
September 13, 2009 - Are there precautions to take, such as wearing gloves while separating the seeds from the Jack In The Pulpit berries. The photos I have seen have gloved hands. I've read that the plant is toxic if in...
view the full question and answer
Non-poisonous Hedge for Southern California
November 27, 2010 - What is a non-poisonous (to dogs), fast-growing, evergreen plant that I can grow as a tall screening hedge for privacy? I find differing opinions on Carolina Cherry and Podocarpus gracilior. Thank you...
view the full question and answer
Privacy shrubs and trees that are safe for horses in California
June 16, 2012 - What type of privacy shrubs/trees can I plant that are safe around horses? I live in the central valley in CA. Thank you!
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |