Find Your Ask the Expert: What is this plant in my backyard? I have a plant growing in my backyard that has grown out of nowhere. It stands about 6 feet tall and has bright pinkish-red berries. My dog has access to this plant and he has a tendency to eat random things. I would like to know what it is and if it is dangerous. J petry
I think you might have a Lapageria rosea or Chilean Bellflower. Your description sounds some what like a Chilean bellflower description. However from the pictures, I can’t make a definitive identification. A Chilean Bellfower is hard only in zones 10-11 and not easily propagated. So I am a little puzzled. Where do you live? When was the picture take? If you could take a few more pictures at different angle and ranges, it might help me make a more definitive identification. I don’t think Chilean bellflower is dangerous to animals; I will try to investigate this further.
Those pictures were taken today in Orange, Ca.
J
Chilean bellflower can live in your area. I have researched the toxic danger of the plant for dogs. As far as I can tell it is not on the toxic plant list for dogs. I not personally familiar with this plant. You might take a sample of the leaves, blooms, and berries to your local garden center. At our nursery/garden center here in Arkansas, we have people bring us samples to identify all the time. Having it physically in hand can really help in the identification process. There are so many little things that a photograph can properly show someone who is trying to make an identification. I don’t know if Orange has a state extension office. I some times consult with our local extension office when I am making an identification. Hopefully someone reading the blog will have an answer. If you take it to a local garden center please let me know what they think it is.