Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

First, before we forget it, here is a list of websites where you can check for poisonous plants for dogs. Just for your own comfort level, these are plant lists you can consult when you are concerned about whether a plant might be harmful to your dogs:

Poisonous Plants of North Carolina

Texas Toxic Plant Database

Cornell University Plants Poisonous to Livestock

University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants Database

Lists specific for dogs (Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA and Doberdogs).

Usually, our webpage on each plant in the Native Plant Database will advise of toxicity of that plant, but it's always well to double-check. Since we are committed to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but to the area in which those plants grow naturally, we will only be listing trees and shrubs native in or near to Jefferson County. Florida has such a plant-friendly climate, "adapted" plants are used a great deal and sometimes become too adapted, and morph into invasives. Choosing plants native to your area means that they are already accustomed to  your climate, soils and rainfall. Please read our How-To Article: A Guide to Native Plant Gardening.

Now, allow us to introduce you to our Native Plant Database. Using the Combination Search, we will select first on Florida, then "shrub" for Habit. On the second search, we will select "trees." On our sample list, you can follow each plant link to the webpage on that plant to learn its light needs, soil preference and anticipated mature size. There are other choices you can make before the search to narrow down your preferences. At the bottom of that webpage is a link to the USDA Plant Profile Map on that plant which will show in green states where that plant is native. Click on Florida on that map and see if the plant is native to the vicinity of Jefferson County. Also at the bottom of that webpage is a link to Google for still more information. We will check the USDA map for each of our suggestions, in order to be fairly sure that plant will do well in your USDA Hardiness Zone of 8b. We did note that you asked for evergreen plants, and when you go back to make your own selections, you can check "evergreen" under Leaf Retenton on the search page, but you will find that this severely limits your selection.

Shrubs for Jefferson County, Florida:

Amelanchier arborea (Common serviceberry)

Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)

Gordonia lasianthus (Gordonia)

Ilex glabra (Inkberry)

Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap)

Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle)

Carpinus caroliniana (American hornbeam)

Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud)

Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood)

Fagus grandifolia (American beech)

Halesia diptera (Two-wing silverbell)

Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree)