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
1 rating

Tuesday - January 12, 2016

From: Republic, PA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Shrubs
Title: Can a dog die from eating a holly bush?
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

Can a dog die from eating a holly bush?

ANSWER:

Some species of holly (Ilex spp.) are known to be toxic to dogs.  Other's do not seem to be a problem.  It would be very odd for a dog to actually eat a holly bush, but not very unusual for a dog -- especially a young one -- to chew on one.  The ASPCA has published a nice list of plants that pose a risk to dogs.

 

More Poisonous Plants Questions

Ingestion of agave sap from Albuquerque NM
June 11, 2013 - My boyfriend was out in the Arizona desert without water for two days and sought moisture through what he thought was a yucca plant but instead we believe was agave. He sucked the moisture off the ins...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants on Poisonous Plants
October 27, 2004 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants, I wonder who among the wonderful staff at the Wildflower Center can answer this. I occasionally get requests for information on toxic or irritating plants. Beyond the obvious ...
view the full question and answer

Are beautyberry bushes toxic to horses?
October 12, 2011 - Are beautyberry bushes toxic to horses?
view the full question and answer

Living fence line from Thomasville GA
November 04, 2012 - I would like to create a natural fence line on my property in South Georgia. They need to be pretty dense and horse, cow, goat friendly, growing to a height of about 4ft, preferably quickly! Do you ...
view the full question and answer

Are berries from the Carrot Wood Tree toxic to animals?
May 26, 2009 - Hello, I am trying to find out if the berries on the carrot wood tree are toxic to animals - dog?
view the full question and answer

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