Texas Moutain Laurel: a liability if planted in front yard? (toxic)
monsteraston
8 years ago
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Mountain Laurel
Comments (18)This is PA's state flower. We have some larger nurseries who sell mature b&b shrubs (I think Styer's is one that may have mature b&b kalmias). There is an old one next to my mother's neighbor's house growing against their sunporch, which has been growing in pretty deep shade for decades, with a little afternoon sun more recently when the cedar near it fell over during a big snow storm and was removed. It had a main branch off the trunk that was about 10ft tall and the shrub blooms profusely every year. The new owner of the house recently sawed down the largest part of it that was right against the porch and left only one large branch off the main trunk. That branch had curved down over the years seeking the light and is now growing upright somewhat. This is what it looked like a few years ago before being severely pruned: Closeup of the branch that was eventually removed: I almost died when I saw what the neighbor did with the clear-cut pruning on it, thinking he was going to take it up completely, since he pretty much removed almost every single shrub in the front and replaced with [gag] grass... And that and an old rhodie looked like they were next. I think my mother got to him just in time though... He's around my age and she started "mom-ing" him. LOL I don't think he realized what he had! I know that other ericaceous shrubs do well with rejuvenation pruning but the kalmias are so slow-growing that who knows... This one does have a massive root system though, so we'll see....See MoreBeware of the Pencil Cactus
Comments (246)Here I am to keep the thread alive! First, thank you to all who've posted because while I did know the pencil cactus was poisonous, I didn't realize just how dangerous it could be if the sap got into my eyes. That said, I just purchased a large pencil cactus today that needs to be repotted. I don't have any pets or kids, so no concerns there, and I've already warned my husband. I'll definitely be wearing disposable gloves and protective eyewear just in case. @ Kevin Dondrea Also, peanut butter has been banned in plenty of schools... I don't know if you were being sarcastic? @ Larry WestCoast, You really had me going with that astroturf bit :D All in all, a good reminder to be vigilant with the plants around us. I'm a plant enthusiast, and even I sometimes forget to pay attention to the potential threats and dangers of different species. I'm obviously not eating any unidentified plants, but from now on I'll be more vigilant about wearing gloves and immediately washing my hands after yard work too....See More(u)Toxic plants for pets identified(/u)
Comments (6)Thanks for this article, Linda. I am very aware of some plants being toxic, and we are careful to not plant those in the back yard, which belongs to the dogs. I just had no idea about the sago or the jatropha, and I do have jatropha planted out by the pond. I sure didn't know about the grapes either. Our fat little Lisa is going to be very disappointed about this. I guess we will have to stop buying them. DH would not be able to eat them in front of her and not share. Very valuable information! Janie...See MoreSuggestions please?
Comments (27)I agree that the pot looks too small to support a tree. I like the Hamelia patens suggestion, although it's not evergreen, and may not be winter hardy outside in a container. It would be borderline where you are. When you want a plant to winter over outside in a pot, look for plants that are hardy to 2 zones colder than where you are. If you're 8b, look for plants that are hardy to zone 6 or colder. I recommend planting seasonal color in that pot, and getting a larger container for a tree. I do not recommend crape myrtles near a pool, as they are very messy and will drive you crazy with all the stuff they drop. It's too bad you don't have more shade, cause Japanese Maples make great container trees. I think the people posting above me have made some good suggestions, but remember to keep in mind hardiness to zone 6 in whatever you choose. Oh, and on top of that, you need think about it's ability to withstand the incredible heat in that location. Some possibilities would be Blue Point Juniper, Yaupon Holly, Maybe one of the smaller deciduous trees such as Mexican Buckeye, Lacy Oak, or Shantung Maple. You may even consider a different direction and put bamboo in the container, or some other ornamental grass. Good luck. Sally...See Moremonsteraston
8 years ago
bostedo: 8a tx-bp-dfw
8 years agolast modified: 8 years agomonsteraston thanked bostedo: 8a tx-bp-dfwmonsteraston
8 years ago
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