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.

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Wednesday - April 25, 2007

From: Venus, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants
Title: Safety of Baccharis halimifolia (groundsel tree) for parrots
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

Do you have any information on the possible toxicity of Baccharis halimifolia (Groundsel tree, sea myrtle) most especially the trunks/branches? We have it all over our property, and I'm curious if it would be safe to give to my parrots because they love to destroy wood, etc.

ANSWER:

You can find several databases online that have lists of both safe plants and toxic plants for birds. Here are three:

Planned Parrothood

CockatielCottage

Animal Adventures