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
4 ratings

Monday - June 15, 2009

From: scottsdale , AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Are Mesquite (Prosopis) pods safe for dogs to eat?
Answered by: Jackie OKeefe

QUESTION:

are pods from mesquite trees posionus to dogs if they chew or eat them?

ANSWER:

The pods of Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite)  and other varieties of Mesquite native to Arizona and the southwest are edible by man and beast, and were used by native Americans as a food source. Arizona State Parks FAQS state that they are "flavorful, mildly sweet and nutritious".


Prosopis glandulosa

 


Prosopis glandulosa
 

More Trees Questions

Trees poisonous to horses from Landrum SC
April 15, 2012 - Please tell me if the following trees are poisonous to horses: hickory, beech, poplar, and redbud. Thank you very much.
view the full question and answer

Large tree and smaller specimen tree for Austin, Texas
May 01, 2007 - We are in the process of removing two Silver Maples in our front yard planted by the previous owner of our house. We live close to the Wildflower Center and have very shallow soil on top of rock. We...
view the full question and answer

Restoring the woods in Central Austin.
May 08, 2012 - I live in Austin, south central between Red Bud trail close to the low water bridge and Bee Caves road. My question: I want to make the wooded sections of my yard attractive. They have filtered sun...
view the full question and answer

Fertilizing a Mature Mountain Ash
May 10, 2013 - What kind of fertilizer should I use on a mountain ash tree that is 25 years old (or more)?
view the full question and answer

Leaves on new water oak turning brown from Matagorda TX
May 30, 2013 - We had water oaks planted in January when they had no leaves. Leaves came on but are now turning brown.
view the full question and answer

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