Common Poisonous Plants in Pastures

As the flowers begin to blood and the grass starts coming in, there are numerous weeds, trees, plants and shrubs that are lurking beneath the soil that can be deadly to your horses. This list is compiled of the most common ones that are found in different areas of the world.

Buttercups

Buttercups are found throughout North America, and can cause irritation of the mouth and colic-like symptoms, as well as diarrhea. Horses will usually avoid eating them as long as they have enough grass or hay to keep them otherwise occupied. If buttercups are dried up in hay, they are not toxic to horses any longer.

Deadly Nightshade

Deadly Nightshade is found in Europe, North Africa, and Asia. It is also found in North America, but is far less common. It thrives in sandy soil and prefers dry conditions over moist, lush areas. Every part of this plant is toxic to humans and horses, from the flowers to the leaves. It can cause colic-like systems, disorientation, dilated pupils, and even death.

Horse Tails

Horse Tails are found in areas of Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa. They grow in marshy areas and thrive if rooted in clay soil, but unlike buttercups, are still toxic when cut into hay and dried out. Horse Tails eliminate the vitamin B in a horse’s blood, and cause weakness, an increased pulse, and even death.

Bracken Ferns

Bracken Ferns are extremely common. They are usually found in wooded areas, on every continent on the planet except for Antarctica. They are still toxic when cut into hay, and if a horse eats a large amount, its toxins will cause a vitamin B1 deficiency. Symptoms of Bracken Fern consumption are weight loss, loss of coordination, and death if not treated soon enough.

Lily of the Valley

Lily of the Valley is most likely not growing in your pastures, but it is still a plant to take note of due to its toxicity to horses as well as other household pets. It could be accidentally eaten by your horses if clippings are tossed aside from a garden cleanup, which is why they should always be disposed of very cautiously.

Milkweed

Milkweed is one of the more common pasture plants. It is found in North America and runs rampant in South and West Texas. Insects love milkweed, and whether living or dried out, it is proven to be toxic to horses. While milkweed poisoning is not often deadly, it can cause loss of muscular control, respiratory paralysis, and spasming.

Red Maple

Red Maple trees are found predominantly in Eastern North America. Don’t be fooled by how gorgeous the leaves are because once they begin to fall and wilt, they become extremely toxic to horses, and can remain so for weeks after falling onto the ground. Symptoms of consumption of Red Maple leaves are depression, dark brown urine, and increased respiration. Horses can even fall into a coma after ingesting them.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is considered an invasive weed in some areas of the United States. It is found in dry, sandy soil, but is not too picky and can grow in almost any environment. It blooms from mid-July to mid-August and causes photosensitivity when ingested by horses.