Stevie Posted May 11, 2008 Share Posted May 11, 2008 I have a Trachycarpus fortunei (Chinese windmill palm) growing happily in garden and mine is the male plant which produces huge prehistoric looking seed pods which eventually ripen in autumn.So far,Sage & Onion havent noticed the things drooping down,but i was just wondering whether they are safe for them to eat cause its only a matter of time before the greedy pair discover them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SAB Posted May 11, 2008 Share Posted May 11, 2008 I have no idea regarding safety of anything eating parts of this plant, but just wanted to comment on how beautiful it is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 12, 2008 Share Posted May 12, 2008 That is such an unsual plant that I don't think you are going to get an answer on this forum. I did a quick seearch for "Trachycarpus fortunei" + poisonous and it says that it has edible flowers (edible by humans, that is). I then found the Cornell University Poisonous Plants database, which might be worth putting on a sticky somewhere: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/ Trachycarpus fortunei is not listed in that database as poisonous, which implies it is not poisonous, but it might be worth getting a second opinion: they do not guarantee the list as comprehensive. Hens seem to know what is safe to eat, but I would be a little anxious too. If you are really worried and can't get an answer from an expert, you will have to cut off the seed-pods. There is a useful and quick check-list of common poisonous plants here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Tilytinkle Posted May 12, 2008 Share Posted May 12, 2008 Sorry i havent a clue,, but me too- what a lovely plant . .stunning! Ms Tilyhasntgotanygreenfingers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gallina Posted May 12, 2008 Share Posted May 12, 2008 I have just noticed that if you search the Cornell database by "Animals affected", there is no Chicken option. I have a feeling that chickens are pretty tough when it comes to food, which is maybe why they are virtually the last surviving dinosaurs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted May 12, 2008 Author Share Posted May 12, 2008 I too googled it late last night,but nothing came up to say it could be dangerous.I guess i'll have to keep an eye on Sage & Onion to see if they take an active intrest in the huge things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted May 12, 2008 Share Posted May 12, 2008 I then found the Cornell University Poisonous Plants database, which might be worth putting on a sticky somewhere:http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/ There is a useful and quick check-list of common poisonous plants here They are useful, Gallina. I'll add them to the FAQ section. Thanks for finding them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooks Posted May 12, 2008 Share Posted May 12, 2008 sorry not meaning to hijack this thread, but I have a cherry tree in my garden and although it hasn't come into fruit yet, it obviously will soon, are these ok for chickens?? edited to add, I have no problem digging it up if needed. We got rid of the plum one to make space for their run area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
