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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
rate this answer
Saturday - October 29, 2011
From: San Dimas, CA
Region: California
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Shrubs that non-toxic to horses but that they won't eat
Answered by: Anne Ruggles
QUESTION:
I am looking for a low maintenance, low water, green shrub that horses won't eat and will not be toxic to them. I want to hide my neighbors corral and keep down dust on my side. The horses have "leaned" over the pipe fence and almost pushed it over to get at my apricot trees.ANSWER:
We understand why you might like to lessen competition for the apricots.
To start with, let’s address the issue of toxicity. There is a list of links to plants that are toxic to horses at this Mr Smarty Plants answer:
The Range Plants of Temperate North America is another excellent source of determining which plants are toxic to livestock.
There are several native shrubs/ small trees that might be good candidates.
One is: is Fraxinus dipetala (California ash) is a small deciduous tree (up to 20 feet) with fragrant white flowers. Here are photos and more information.
Another is: Cercis orbiculata [syn. Cercis occidentalis var. orbiculata] (California redbud) is a small tree (up to 15 feet) with pink blossoms in the spring. Here are more photos and information.
A third is: Cornus nuttallii (Pacific dogwood) grows 15 to 40 feet high and has showy flowers.
Another good source of information is your local County Extension Agent. From the drop-down menu at the top highlight "Offices" and then click on "County Offices." These folks will be able to help you determinw what will work best in your microclimate and with your soil type.
From the Image Gallery
More Poisonous Plants Questions
Are buckbrush (coralberry) berries poisonous?
December 20, 2011 - Are the berries on buckbrush (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus) poisonous to humans?
view the full question and answer
Are wild cherry trees poisonous for horses?
October 31, 2010 - I have just purchased a pony and have been told that wild cherry trees could cause harm or even kill her. Is this true and where can I go to get a list of all the poisonous plants, shrubs and trees fo...
view the full question and answer
How to Control Poison Ivy
February 22, 2016 - We have lots of Poison Ivy on a site we are clearing it is adjacent to a pond and children are around this area all the time. We are creating hiking paths. I have a lot of experience but I do not wan...
view the full question and answer
Will Hellebores planted in the soil near vegetables transfer poisons to them?
April 29, 2015 - I just planted helleborus in my garden and have now read that they are toxic. They are planted near vegetable plants, will they affect the vegetables and leave them inedible? Also, are they toxic to d...
view the full question and answer
Identification of bush/vine with purple berries
August 09, 2014 - I was clearing fence line and came across this plant it looks like a Bush but underneath grows like a vine it has long broad leaves that reminded me of Polk salad but it grows berry clusters the berri...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |