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_00.gif)
Sunday - May 01, 2011
From: Chico, CA
Region: California
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrubs for hedge not toxic to horses and llamas in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have goats llamas and horses, and need a short hedge that is non-toxic to them. It will be along a section of no-climb fencing, but they would be able to get to it. I lost a foal this morning and could not stomach another loss. Thank you for your time.ANSWER:
I am very sorry about your foal. That is heartbreaking!
Here are some small shrubs that are NOT found on any of the toxic plant lists given below. They range from 3 to 8 feet for their maximum height and they all are native and can be found in Butte County. You need to read the GROWING CONDITIONS for each of the plants, however, to be sure their requirements are compatible with you site.
Baccharis pilularis (Coyotebrush)
Ceanothus velutinus (Snowbrush)
Chrysolepis sempervirens (Bush chinquapin) and here are photos
Dendromecon rigida (Tree poppy)
Eriogonum fasciculatum (Eastern mojave buckwheat)
Holodiscus discolor (Cream bush)
Rosa californica (California rose) and here are photos and more information.
Here are databases that you can use to check on toxicity of plants to horses and other animals:
ASPCA's Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Horses [Note: The first list is for plants toxic to horses and the second list is for plants non-toxic to horses.]
Horse Nutrition: Poisonous Plants from Ohio State University Extension Service
10 Most Poisonous Plants for Horses from Equisearch
Poisonous Plants that may be dangerous to llamas and other livestock
California Poison Control System
Pennsylvania's Poisonous Plants from the Universtiy of Pennsylvania
Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock
Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
More Shrubs Questions
Short edging evergreen for IL
March 27, 2011 - I am planning on planting a short (height at maturity less than 1 foot) evergreen (and if possible flowering) shrub to border the walkway to my house. Can you give me some suggestions? The soil is mos...
view the full question and answer
How to keep persimmons from staining patio
August 10, 2008 - We have approximately 4 female persimmons bearing fruit around our back patio. Birds are carrying the berries to our patio and eating them which leaves a dark stain on our patio. I'm having to go o...
view the full question and answer
Revegetating a hillside in western Washington state
October 10, 2012 - Removing several downed trees across my dock demolished the native plants growing on the hillside and the contractor pulled out their remains. The area faces east on an open freshwater bay. Close to...
view the full question and answer
Small Shrub for a Foundation Planting in Michigan
May 15, 2014 - I need a small, native, perennial shrub for a foundation planting in Michigan.
view the full question and answer
Care for California lilacs from Portland OR
January 16, 2014 - Hi There,
We live in the Portland Oregon area, so temps are moderate and winters are wet. We have several California Lilacs that are about 7ft in height and have created the perfect screen. Love th...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |