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)
Tuesday - December 20, 2011
From: Maysville, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Are buckbrush (coralberry) berries poisonous?
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Are the berries on buckbrush (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) poisonous to humans?ANSWER:
The Poisonous Plants of North Carolina database says that the berries of all species of Symphoricarpos are mildly toxic when eaten—causing vomiting and diarrhea. The Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System lists the related Symphoricarpos albus (Common snowberry) that also occurs in Missouri as being mildly poisonous. Symphoricarpos orbiculatus (Coralberry) is not specifically listed in any of the toxic plant databases that I accessed, but given the information about the genus from the two cited above, I wouldn't eat any of the berries myself!
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Is any part of flowering peach (Prunus persica) toxic to dogs
April 26, 2009 - I know that peach pits and wilting leaves are poisonous to dogs, but can you tell me if any part of the Red Flowering Peach Tree (no fruit) is toxic?
view the full question and answer
Plants toxic to dogs
December 08, 2005 - Can you tell me where I can get information on plants poisonious to dogs? Deck and yard plants. Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Is resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla) toxic?
February 14, 2009 - Is Resurrection plant (Selaginella lepidophylla)toxic? Is it safe for children to handle?
view the full question and answer
Native Plants Toxic to Dogs?
April 22, 2014 - Are society garlic, Salvia greggii, black escarpment cherries, and wine cup wildflowers toxic to dogs?
view the full question and answer
Is there a vine in Indiana with poisonous thorns?
December 27, 2011 - 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 v...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |