Ongoing research

Scientific Name: Juniperus spp. Common Name: Juniper Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No All Juniper berries can cause diarrhea, upset stomach and kidney problems. The berries contain thujone in varying amounts from high to low.

Scientific Name: Kalanchoe spp. Common Name: Felt Plant, Mother of Thousands Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No If dogs or cats ingest this plant, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Supervise pets and children playing near this plant.

Scientific Name: Kniphofia spp. Common Name: Red Hot Poker Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No Toxic if ingested and irritating to the eyes and skin.

Scientific Name: Lantana camara Common Name: Lantana Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No The hairs on the leaves can cause contact dermatitis and minor skin irritation.

Scientific Name: Ligustrum spp. Common Name: Privet Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No Berries and leaves are poisonous if ingested. Supervise pets and children playing near this plant.

Scientific Name: Lobelia spp. Common Name: Lobelia Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No No part of the plant should be eaten. Most contain poisonous alkaloids or compounds. Supervise pets and children playing near this plant.

Scientific Name: Lupinus spp. Common Name: Lupine Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No Seeds are poisonous. All plant parts may also be poisonous in some species and varieties. Supervise pets and children playing near this plant.

Scientific Name: Melaleuca quinquenervia Common Name: Broad-leaved Paperbark, Melaleuca Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No Respiratory irritant from the windborne volatile substances are given off at the time of flowering.

Scientific Name: Melia azedarach Common Name: Chinaberry Thorns/Spines? How is this plant unsafe? How do you plant safely? No Fruits and bark are poisonous if ingested. Supervise pets and children playing near this plant.

University of Maryland Why Do Pollinators Visit Flowers Other than because I think they are pretty, I love looking at plants and their flowers. In fact, one of my pastimes has become figuring where and what is the reward that pollinators get out of their visits to their favorite flowers.