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| I would like to plant an Aucuba Japonica Variegata "Gold Dust" in a shady spot as a privacy screen. My one concern is this shrub has been described as potentially dangerous for pets and people. Parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. Has anyone had any problems or heard of any problems involving the Aucuba Japonica and animals? Our outdoor cat likes to hide in the bushes and chew on different plants and grasses from time to time. Also, our yard is frequented by rabbits, squirrels, and a variety of birds.
I've read many posts on the Aucuba Variegata without seeing any comments about danger for animals, so I'm hoping there will not be a problem. Nevertheless, I thought I should ask because better safe than sorry.
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Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by gardengal48 PNW zone 8 (My Page) on Fri, Jul 31, 09 at 9:53
| If you do the research, you'll find a great many common garden plants are toxic to some degree.....in fact, I'd guess more present some sort of toxicity than those that do not, including many that are also considered edible in some form. Actual incidents of unintentional poisoning of pets or kids from plants are very rare. Go ahead and plant your aucuba - your cat wont bother it. I've gardened for many years with both pets and kids in a garden chock full of toxic plants (holly, daphne, sweet box, delphiniums, aconitums, etc.) without any problems, as have all my many pet-owning gardening friends. Pets are smarter than we think about what they will sample outdoors - I'd be more concerned about small children popping in a wrong berry than I am about my pets! ps. If you planted only those plants that are confirmed to have NO toxicity of any kind, you'd have a very boring garden! |
Here is a link that might be useful: toxic plant listing
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| Gardengal, I can't agree with you more! I have to chuckle when I see people going around with these lengthy lists of toxic plants ever fearful of the death of their pet Fido or Fluffy. Just how many species can cause some degree of discomfort, sickness, and yes, potentially death is amazing (leaves of common plants like tomatoes, potatoes, philodendrons, etc.). I have a large botanical collection of hardy, subtropical and tropical plants that includes some with especially potent toxins (Orleander, Castor Oil among them). I have also had animals all my life (cats, dogs, birds, reptiles...). Some of the cats were purely indoor, some indoor/outdoor, and there are feral cats all around me--regulars that visit year round, some of whom we've named. When my pets die, it's from old age. If it's an "outdoor" cat, I'd be more worried about it being hit my a car, picking up some nasty parasite (I have deer therefore probably deer tick), being eaten by a fox or cayote (they are living in crowded NJ suburbia now believe it or not), or being abducted for some Satanic ritual. Needless to say, my Acuba japonica is growing right outside my kitchen window (it's a female so it has been covered in berries). In fact, I had to move it because the deer ate my Acuba last winter. I think the key though is to have plants around that animals may chew on that are completely non-toxic. I know cats and dogs occasional will munch on greenery. Outside, they have a choice and will go for the grass or the cat nip. Inside, just plant some grass or alfalfa greenery that they can go to when the urge hits. Good luck! |
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| Gardengal, thanks for the inputs and the link to the toxic plant listing. Helpful info and details without condescension---I think that's what everyone appreciates the most. |
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| jmac, I am sorry if you took what I said as condescending. I honestly did not intend it as such. Happy gardening! |
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