Posted by Steve Katz on October 30, 2006 at 08:29:20:
I'm adding some trees to the backyard and am trying to confirm their leaves and/or berries won't be poisonous to my koi and goldfish. I've done some internet research on this, and it seems like if you look hard enough, you can find someone who claims the tree is poisonous. Heck, the below website even includes Oak foliage on the list, and I dare say that most of the ponds here in Central Texas have some Oak trees nearby.
http://www.bonniesplants.com/how_to/poisonous_plants_to_fish.html
So, I'm taking a different approach. What trees do you have near your pond with no apparent ill effects? I'm most interested in the below species and any others that do well in Northwest Austin that can attract birds (e.g., have berries, pretty flowers, etc).
SMALL TREEs (< 25 feet)- Considering Planting Next to Pond
* Anacacho Orchid
* Crape Myrtle
* Yaupon Holly (are berries poisonous to koi/goldfish?)
* Kidneywood
* Texas Persimmon
* Texas Pistachio
BIG TREEs (25+ feet)- Considering Planting in General Vicinity of Pond
* Lacebark Elm
* Bigtooth Maple
* Texas Red Oak
Thanks,
--Steve