Symptoms from these plants vary from instant death to severe health problems to mild health conditions. For toxic plants common in your area consult your local agriculture extension office.

Information on this page comes from various extension offices across the US, but may not be complete. Do not assume a plant is not toxic just because it is not listed here.

This material is provided as information only. Please contact your veterinarian or poison control if poisoning is suspected.

Some plants and weeds listed here are taken from a North Carolina State University and Oregon State University.

Photos of Poisonous Weeds
Toxicity Level

Alfalfa (when blister beetles are baled in it) Dangerous	Annual Buttercup Creeping Buttercups Widespread, but of minor importance Creeping Buttercup-Causes diarrhea, reddening of mucus membranes, excessive salivation. Enzymes are released when chewed and can be passed in mother's milk. Plant does not seem to be toxic when dried. Most animals recover when removed from the plant.
Arborvitae Dangerous but uncommon	Baneberry Dangerous Snakeroot (Baneberry, White Cohosh, Snakeberry, Doll’s Eyes, Coralberry)- Causes excessive salivation, burning of the mouth and throat, gastro-intestinal distress, diarrhea, hallucinations and excitability. This plant is only toxic if eaten in large quantities. The associated burning of the mouth and throat seem to prevent an overdose of this plant. If an animal does ingest this plant use extreme care when handling the animal as it will be unpredictable. Avoid stressing or exciting the animal as this can accelerate the toxins.
Bitter weed or bitter Sneezeweed Dangerous Bitter weed- Causes excessive salivation, elevated temperature, difficulty breathing, vomiting and convulsions. This plant is common in pastures and grazing areas, but is seldom eaten unless no other plants are available. It is seldom fatal unless a large quantity is eaten, however it can cause long-term effects. Call the vet immediately if the animal is seen eating it.	Black Cherry Dangerous Cherry- Causes anxiety, breathing problems, staggering, convulsions, death. Animals with single gastric systems are less susceptible than those with multiple stomachs. When the leaves are intact they are harmless, but if they are damaged (frost, trampled, wilted, blown down) they produce cyanide. Most animals can safely eat small amounts of the plant safely, but if they eat large amounts or damaged leaves poisoning will occur. Chokecherry, apricot pits, peach sprouts and apple seeds can also poison. Cyanide poisoning comes on quickly and often the animal is found dead. If caught quickly, within a few minutes, an antidote can be given. Do not stress the animal as it may worsen or accelerate the symptoms.
Black Locust Dangerous Black Locust- Causes depression, lack of appetite, weakness, paralysis, diarrhea (may be bloody) and death. Symptoms can appear as soon as an hour after ingesting. Related Honey Locust and Prickly Ash may also provide similar symptoms. If enough of the plant (leaves and/or bark) is ingested death may occur within a few days. However, it is not always fatal. Treatment must be started immediately and include emergency measures to remove the plant material from the gastrointestinal tract.	Black Walnut Dangerous but rarely eaten Black Walnut- Causes laminitis, breathing problems, respiratory difficulties, gastroenteritis. If horse's bedding includes more than 20% of Black Walnut it can result in laminitis and/or colic. Pollen and fallen leaves can produce respiratory problems/allergies. Remove the shavings; cool the feet and/or legs with water. Respiratory problems do not usually require special treatment unless severe.
Bladder pod Dangerous Tall woody annual herbs; these cause gastroenteritis, bloody diarrhea, shock, and death but rarely eaten	Bleeding Heart Dangerous but rarely eaten Bleeding heart- Causes trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, labored breathing and skin irritation if in contact with sap. Toxic if eaten in large quantities. Skin irritations can last long or short term depending on the length of time contact was made with the sap.
Bloodroot Dangerous but rarely eaten Bloodroot- Causes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dilated pupils, diarrhea, fainting and heart failure. This plant is HIGHLY toxic. Best line of defense is to remove it from any areas where animals may come in contact with it; care should be used when removing the plant so that limited contact is made with it.	Boxwood or Buxus Dangerous but generally unavailable Boxwood- Causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, convulsions and respiratory distress. Contact with the sap from this plant can cause skin irritation.
Western Brackenfern Dangerous Brakenfern- Causes weight loss, weakness, gait abnormalities, tremors, weakness, abnormal heart rate, spasms, fever, death. Horses may not show signs of toxicity for two to three weeks after consuming the plant, but need to eat the plants for one to two months before showing signs. Remove the animal from the plant and do not feed hay that includes the plant. Treatment includes daily injections of thiamine for up to two weeks if caught before the animal cannot rise (at that point it is too late).	Buckeye or Horse Chestnut Dangerous Buckeye (Horse Chestnut)- Causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, slobbers, trembling, staggering, difficulty breathing, paralysis, coma, death. These trees leaf early and animals may be tempted to eat the leaves. Emergency measures include removing the plant material from the gastrointestinal tract. Once signs are present only supportive care can be given, there is no antidote.
Buttonbush Dangerous produce gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. Animals will typically avoid eating this plant BUT will eat it if they are extremely hungry and no other feed is available Signs: mild depression, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea (may turn bloody). Call a veterinarian if animals are severely affected and do not recover within 12 to 24 hours but rarely eaten	Camas, death Camas, black snakeroot Dangerous but rarely eaten Death Camas- Causes muscular weakness, convulsions, death, vomiting, and coma. No specific treatment available. Similar signs have been reported with stagger grass in sheep.
Castor bean Dangerous but generally unavailable Castor Bean (Castor Oil Plant)- Causes stomach irritation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, increased heart rate, sweating, collapse, convulsions, death. Commercially prepared castor oil does not contain any toxins. The seeds must be chewed or broken open to activate the toxicity, unopened seeds can pass with no harm to the animal. If the animal is observed eating the seeds call the Vet IMMEDIATELY, once signs are apparent only supportive care can be given. If several hours lapse between eating, treat for shock and symptoms, but death will likely occur since this plant's toxins are powerful.	Cedars Slight
China Berry Minor importance Chinaberry- Causes stomach irritation, bloody diarrhea, paralysis, irregular breathing, respiratory distress and death. The “fruit” or berries of the plant are highly toxic as are any teas made from the plant. The plant contains neurotoxins that can be deadly in large amounts.	Climbing bittersweet Minor importance Bittersweet- Causes diarrhea and loss of consciousness. There is low toxicity when eaten, but due to the side effects it is not recommended to all the plant to invade pasture and grazing areas.
Cocklebur Dangerous Cocklebur- Causes gastrointestinal irritation, weakness, behavioral changes, breathing difficulties, cardiac abnormalities, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Horses are less at risk than cattle, poultry, swine or sheep. Once toxic signs develop death may follow in 48 hours. Some may recover, but it may take weeks. Prevent further consumption, keep animal quiet and call a vet immediately.	Corn Cockle Dangerous but rarely eaten Corn Cockle- Causes severe stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, weakness, and slowed breathing. This plant is a non-native plant. It can often contaminate wheat, oats and ground corn. While toxicity levels are low when ingested, care should be used to avoid contamination.
Coast Fiddleneck Dangerous Fiddleneck (tarweed)- Causes photophobia, photosensitivity, jaundice, liver failure, diarrhea, depression, aberrant behavior (head pressing, incessant licking, aimless walking), weight loss, edema of the extremities. As little as 15 mg of dried plant per kilogram of weight over 2 weeks will induce severe liver failure. Keeping in a dark stall can treat the photosensitivity, but the underlying liver problem is rarely if ever treatable. Prognosis is very poor.	Curly Dock Dangerous but rarely eaten Curly Dock- Causes coma and death, kidney damage, tremors, depression, weakness. Animals that survive the acute effects often contract kidney disease. Immediate treatment with limewater orally may limit the absorption of the toxin. Intravenous treatment with calcium gluconate, magnesium and electrolytes may help acute symptoms.
Crotalaria or Showy Rattlebox Dangerous The seeds contain a saponin which is quite toxic to poultry, cattle, sheep, goats and humans. Animals appear severely depressed, have a rapid pulse and diarrhea. Poisoning usually occurs in the fall when other forage is scarce	Dogbane Dangerous Dogbane (Indian Hemp)- Causes cardiac arrest and death. This plant is HIGHLY toxic, even when dried. Care should be used when removing the plant to assure that all parts are removed from pasture and grazing areas. Do not allow any part of the plant to get into the human system, as it is toxic to humans as well.
Dutchman's Breeches Dangerous Dutchman’s Breeches- Causes trembling, staggering, diarrhea, convulsions, respiratory distress and skin irritation. Skin can become irritated if it comes in contact with sap. Irritation can last for a few minutes, up to hours. The plant is toxic if eaten in large quantities, however care should be taken to remove it from pasture and grazing areas. Extra care should be taken when removing the plant to avoid skin irritation.	Elderberry Dangerous but rarely eaten Elderberry- Causes nausea, diarrhea and coma. The leaves, stems and unripe fruit are toxic. However, in certain areas of the country humans routinely eat other parts of the plant. The plant is toxic when eaten in large quantities, but is seldom palatable to grazing animals. Ripened berries can cause staining on coats, but skin irritation is seldom noted.
False Hellebore Dangerous but rarely eaten False Hellebore (skunk cabbage, corn lily)- Causes congenital birth defects, low blood pressure. Prevent pregnant animals from grazing on the plant. Plant seldom causes death.	Fox Glove Dangerous Foxglove- Causes nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, severe headache, irregular and slow pulse, tremors, convulsions and death. Contains cardiac toxins. This plant is HIGHLY toxic and may be fatal if ingested.
Foxtail Barley Dangerous Foxtail Barley (squirrel tail barley, wild barley)- Causes stomach irritation, abscesses, mouth/ear/nose/eye/skin irritation. Yellow or green foxtail, rye and millet can cause similar problems. For minor irritation give supportive care; most will resolve within a day. If more severe, signs of irritation, if the eyes or ears are involved or if the animal cannot eat call the vet. In some cases surgery may be required to remove the awns.	Slender Fumewort Dangerous but uncommon
Ground Cherry Dangerous but rarely eaten Ground Cherry- Causes headache, stomach pain, lowered temperature, diarrhea, circulatory and respiratory depression, loss of sensation and death. While some parts of the plant are known to have been eaten safely, it is not recommended for it to remain in pasture and grazing areas. This plant is highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested.	Horsenettle Dangerous but rarely eaten Horse nettle- Causes nausea, excessive salivation, drowsiness, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, respiratory depression and death. The berries are the toxic part of this plant. The plant may be fatal if large quantities are eaten.
Horsetail or scouring rush Dangerous but rarely eaten Horsetail (scouringrush)- Causes weight loss, weakness gait abnormalities, abnormal heart rate and/or rhythm, death. This plant causes a thiamine deficiency and can be treated by a vet. Also see Brakenfern.	Hydrangea Dangerous but uncommon
Jimsonweed or Thorn Apple Dangerous Jimsonweed (thorn apple)- Causes agitation, trembling, delirium, convulsions, coma, death. Animals are reluctant to eat this plant, even when forage is sparse. The plant may become more palatable if treated with weed killer, so remove animals until plants are completely dead and removed. Once eaten the signs become apparent within a few minutes to several hours. Use caution when working with an animal to avoid injury as they can be highly agitated or delirious. Contact a vet to perform emergency measures to remove the plant from the gastrointestinal tract. There are medications to counteract the toxins. For animals less severely affected, the animal could recover within a few days. Keep the animal quiet and undisturbed (except for the vet).	Johnson grass (when stressed) Dangerous but rarely eaten by horses Johnson Grass- Causes breathing problems, anxiety, staggering, convulsions, coma, death. This plant contains cyanide. Other members of this grass genus includes Sudan grass and Milo, although their toxicity is lower than Johnson Grass. The most common type of poisoning from this plant occurs when the plant has been damaged (i.e. trampled, frost, etc). When the plant is dried the levels of cyanide are very low and it is safe to feed. Clinical signs can come on quickly and often the animal is simply found dead. If the animal is exhibiting signs call the vet IMMEDIATELY, time is of the essence. Since the animal will be highly stress, take caution in working around the animal. Avoid stressing the animal as it can accelerate the condition or make it worse. Treatment must be given quickly, although there is an antidote.
Lily Easter Lily Dangerous but uncommon (Easter Lily)- Mostly lethal to cats, although the plant should be considered a possible threat to any animal prone to eating plants. Horses do not seem to eat the plant, but limiting access seems prudent.	Lily-of-the-Valley Dangerous but uncommon Lilly-of-the-Valley- Causes excessive salivation, watery eyes, sweating, abdominal pain, weakness, convulsions and death. This plant is largely an ornamental plant, but may grow wild near old homesites. The plant is highly toxic to all animals, so recommend that it be removed from areas where any animal may come in contact with it.
Tall Larkspur Dangerous Larkspur- Causes bloat, muscles tremors, respiratory paralysis. Foothills Larkspur seems to be the most toxic.	Lupine Dangerous Causes breathing problems, behavioral changes, trembling, birth defects, coma, depression, death. Danger from this plant is higher in western rangelands where the plants grow and flourish. Signs of poisoning can develop within an hour to 24 hours from consumption. There is no antidote for Lupine, treatment includes removing the plant material from the animal's reach, rest, and lowering stress. Trailering the animal or handling can increase symptoms and increase the chance of death.
Marijuana Hemp, hashish, hash Dangerous but uncommon Marijuana (Hemp, hashish, hash)- Causes behavioral changes, difficulty breathing, depression, trembling, diarrhea. Fatalities with this plant are rare, but do occur. This plant remains toxic even when dried to all contact should be limited. In most cases the effects of the toxicity will wear off within a few hours with limited lasting effects. However, in cases of extreme poisoning supportive care may be needed.	May apple or Mandrake Dangerous but rarely eaten Mayapple (Mandrake)- Causes excessive salivation, diarrhea, excitement, fever, coma and death. Some parts of the plant, ripened fruit, may be safe for humans to eat. However, this plant is HIGHLY toxic and may cause death if eaten.
Mayweed Dog Fennel Dangerous	Milkweed Dangerous but rarely eaten Milkweed- Causes gastrointestinal distress (bloating, colic, diarrhea), in coordination, tremors, accelerated heartbeat, difficulty breathing, death. Milkweed is seldom eaten as the plant is not palatable, but animals may eat if other forage isn't available. There is no treatment available for this plant. If the animal is seen eating the plant calling the vet and emptying the plant from the gastrointestinal tract may help. If the animal simply nibbles the plant it may cause oral irritation that keeps the animal from eating the plant again.
Mistletoe Minor importance Mistletoe- Causes stomach and intestinal irritation, diarrhea, lowered blood pressure, and irregular pulse. This parasitic plant is a perennial favorite during the holidays, but can be toxic to animals.	Monkshod Dangerous but uncommon Monkshood- Causes diarrhea, weakness and muscle spasms, respiratory paralysis, convulsions and death. This plant may be found in ornamental gardens. It is highly toxic and it may be fatal if eaten by any animal.
Mustard plants Causes photosensitivity, breathing difficulty, oral distress, gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea, colic). There is no antidote to mustard poisoning. Supportive care is the only treatment (i.e. move to a dark stall for photosensitivity, remove the plant from grazing areas).	Hairy Nightshade Dangerous Nightshade (deadly nightshade, black nightshade, hairy nightshade)- Causes diarrhea, muscle tremors, weakness, shock, coma, death, depression, decreased cardiac output, lack of coordination, dilated pupils, kidney failure. Cooking destroys the toxic alkaloids of the plant. Other members of the nightshade include tomatoes and potatoes. Supportive therapy includes intravenous fluids and electrolytes.
Mountain Laurel Dangerous Mountain Laurel- Causes excessive salivation, watery eyes, runny nose, slow pulse, nausea, abdominal pain, sweating, lack of coordination, convulsions and death. This plant is highly toxic and may be fatal if eaten.	Oak Leaves and Acorns Minor importance White Oak (Gambel’s Oak)- Causes dark "tarry" diarrhea, loss of appetite, depression, liver damage, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, kidney and/or liver failure. These plants are toxic at any stage, but seem even more toxic when in bloom. Once signs are evident the renal damage is done and prognosis is poor. Aggressive fluid therapy may help support renal function and to re-hydrate the animal
Oleander Dangerous but uncommon Oleander- Causes gastrointestinal distress (colic, bloody diarrhea), cardiac difficulties, sudden death. This plant is highly toxic and should never be planted where the animal grazes or can reach. ¼ of a pound of leaves can cause the death of a horse. Even the dried leaves are toxic, and may be more palatable to animals. So, use care when disposing of cut limbs or leaves. If an animal is seen eating this plant IMMEDIATELY call a vet. This plant is lethal even in small doses. The vet can evacuate the gastrointestinal tract and administer medications to alleviate some of the toxins.	Perilla Mint Dangerous Animals shows signs of respiratory distress. There is difficult breathing especially when exhaling. Grunting is often seen when exhaling. There may be a nasal discharge, elevated temperature. Once symptoms of severe pulmonary edema and emphysema are observed, treatment is usually ineffective. Injections of antihistamines, steroids and antibiotics are indicated. Cattle should be handled quietly to prevent further respiratory complication and subsequent death.
Pigweed Dangerous but rarely eaten Pigweed (Redroot Pigweed)- Causes breathing problems, weakness, abortions, coma, kidney failure, death. This plant is seldom eaten, it isn't palatable, and effects sheep and cows more than horses. A vet can provide supportive care and recovery is likely unless the animal develops the kidney failure.	Pines Slight
Poison Hemlock Dangerous but rarely eaten Hemlock- Lethal dose for horses is 4-5 pounds and signs present within 2 hours of ingesting. Causes excitement in the beginning, decrease cardiac and respiratory output, colic, bloating, coma, death. Plant may be more palatable in the spring or after treatment to kill the plant, so make sure the plant is killed and removed BEFORE reintroducing animals to the area. If animals are seen ingesting the plant call the Vet IMMEDIATELY. Treatment is intense and requires intense nursing, including supportive care and removing the toxins from the gastrointestinal tract.	Pokeweed Dangerous Pokeweed (Pokeberry, Inkberry, Pigeonberry)- Causes burning of the mouth and throat, excessive salivation, severe stomach irritation, bloody diarrhea, convulsions and death. Although recipes abound, this plant is considered highly toxic and can be fatal if eaten.
Rattlebox or Chinese Wisteria Dangerous Rattlebox (False Poinsettia)- Causes nausea, diarrhea, intense stomach pain, weakness, depression, respiratory failure and death. As with true Poinsettia this plant is highly toxic to animals and should be avoided for holiday celebrations in homes where there are pets. It should also not be grown in or near pastures or grazing areas.	Red Maple (stressed leaves) Dangerous but rarely eaten Red Maple- Causes breathing difficulties, jaundice, death, depression and increased heart rate. Ingesting 1.5 pounds is toxic and 3 pounds is lethal and wilted or dry leaves maintain their toxicity for well over a month. Healthy leaves have not been implicated in any deaths, but it isn’t advised to allow the leaves near any horse. Dry and wilted leaves have caused death. The toxins effect the red blood cells. Treatment includes using dry activated charcoal and/or mineral oil to prevent absorption. Treatment also includes support and treating symptoms and may include blood transfusions.
Rhododendron Dangerous Rhododendron- Causes excessive salivation, watery eyes and nose, abdominal pain, lethargy, depression, diarrhea, weakness, respiratory distress, progressive paralysis, coma and death. Most often known as an ornamental or houseplant, this plant can also grow wild. It is highly toxic and should be removed from areas accessible to animals.	Scarlet pimpernel Dangerous but rare
Scott's broom or Scotch broom Minor importance Scotch Broom- Causes excitement, muscle weakness, convulsions and death. Caution should be taken not to excite or stress the animals since this can intensify the effects. Contain the animal taking care to avoid injury as the animal can behave unpredictably. Call the vet IMMEDIATELY if poisoning is suspected.	Sesbania Dangerous Tall woody annual herbs; these cause gastroenteritis, bloody diarrhea, shock, and death but uncommon
Smartweed Minor importance	Sorghum and Sudan grass hybrids Milo (Grain Sorghum) (when stressed) Dangerous Sorghum (Sudan grass)- Causes urinary incontinence, difficulty breathing, weight loss, abortion, lower spinal cord degeneration. Sudan grass contains cyanide and is high in nitrates, although some hybrids have been developed that contain no cyanide and are safe. Intravenous fluids are the course of treatment, along with sodium thiosulfate mixed with water via mouth.
Spruce Minor importance	Spurge Minor importance Spurge (Eyebane)- Causes diarrhea, abdominal distress, skin irritation and photosensitivity. Skin irritation may last a short time. Remove the animal from the sun and keep away from sunlight in a darkened stall. Use care not to overly excite or stress the animal as it may intensify effects and call a vet.
St John's Wort Minor importance St John's wort (Klamath weed)- Causes acute inflammation and necrosis of tissues, cell death, sloughing of the skin, photosynsensitization, severe damage to blood vessels. Remove the animal from the sun and keep in a dark stall. Antihistamines and anti-inflammitories may help if given early enough.	Stagger grass or Copper Lily Dangerous Staggerweed- Causes intense diarrhea, muscle weakness and spasms, weak pulse, respiratory paralysis, convulsions and death. This plant is highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested.
Yellow Star thistle Dangerous	Star-of-Bethlehem Dangerous but uncommon Star-of-Bethlehem- Causes excessive salivation, diarrhea, swelling of tongue and throat and difficulty breathing. Skin irritation can occur after prolonged contact with the plant. Care should be used when removing the plant, because in addition to the above symptoms humans can also get swollen lips and vomiting. Contrary to what may have been published elsewhere, the bulbs of this plant are NOT edible.
Sweet Shrub (Sweet Bubby, Carolina Allspice, Sweet Bubby Bush ) Dangerous but rarely eaten Sweet shrub (Carolina Allspice, Sweet Bubby Bush)- Causes convulsions, elevated blood pressure and sometimes death. The seeds are the toxic part of this plant, so care should be used that no seeds contaminate feed. The plant is toxic if eaten in large quantities.	Sweet Clover (when frosted or baled wet) Minor importance Symptoms are related to massive blood loss. Swellings appear under the skin due to accumulations of blood. These swellings vary in size and may occur at any site on the body, but particularly in areas that are susceptible to bruising. Pale mucous membranes, rapid and weak pulse, and weakness are observed. Sometimes animals hemorrhage internally and exhibit signs of shock. Affects mainly cattle, but have been known to affect horses and sheep.
Tall Fescue (Endophyte) Moderately toxic problems common	Tansy Ragwort Dangerous Tansy Ragwort- Causes colic, convulsions, abortions. Not a commonly reported toxic plant since animals rarely ingest it although it does occupy a significant amount of acreage. Risk of death or serious illness is low with this plant. Most deaths and illness associated with this plant is from humans attempting to use the plant extract for medicinal purposes.
Hairy Vetch Dangerous Vetch- Causes diarrhea, sudden death, abnormal behavior, difficulty standing, convulsions, swollen lymph nodes, welts on skin. Plant causes immune mediated disease and seeds may contain cyanide. Mortality rate is very high.	Western Hemlock Dangerous Western Water Hemlock- Causes teeth grinding, convulsions, muscle degeneration (including heart muscle), respiratory paralysis, dilated pupils and sudden death. Death generally occurs within 2 hours of onset of symptoms. There are 4 major species of this plant in North America and all are toxic. To treat induce vomiting and give laxatives, intravenous administration of sodium pentobarbital at the onset of seizures may help prevent lethal cardiac and muscle degeneration.
White Snakeroot Dangerous	Wild parsnip or spotted cowbane Dangerous Wild Parsnip- Causes skin irritation after contact with the sap, can also cause irritation or blisters in the mouth. Some parts of the plant are known to be edible for humans if properly prepared.
Wild Iris Dangerous	Yew Dangerous but uncommon Yew- Causes trembling, breathing problems, diarrhea, heart problems, but usually sign is just found dead. A single mouthful can cause death in horses in less than 5 minutes. 0.01 to 0.05% of body weight is lethal for any animal. Treatment is impractical since death is so quick. The best treatment is assuring that no yew is planted near pastures and no leaves or cuttings are thrown into areas where horses can reach.
Wooly Croton Minor importance Woolly Croton- Causes diarrhea, nervousness, blisters and possibly death. Use care when handling an animal that has ingested this plant as it may be excitable and unpredictable. Also, use care when removing the plant from pasture and grazing areas since contact with the plant sap can cause skin irritation and blisters.

Red Clover
• Black patch fungus on leaves causes slobbers. In horses it can cause dehydration to a life threatening degree. This fungus is also found quite often on white clover types and should be suspected anytime excessive slobbering is observed in the horse.

Sudan grass or Sorghum
• Can cause cystitis syndrome when grazed after a prolonged drought or heavy frost. While these compounds break down in hay in a matter of a few weeks these forages are still not recommended for horse hay due to the difficulty in drying down the thick stems and the attendant risk of the hay molding in the bales.

Nitrates
• Can cause poisoning and death in heavily fertilized grass pastures and hay fields especially in drought conditions.

German Millet
• When fed as a major forage can cause kidney, joint and bone problems, especially when plants are mature.

Lush pastures
• Horses unaccustomed to lush pasture can colic or founder if suddenly changed to them.

Tall fescue
• Tall fescue is our most common pasture grass and hay species primarily because of its resiliency and low maintenance. A large measure of these benefits can be attributed to the presence of an entophytes fungus living in a symbiotic relationship within the plant. The fungus also produces an alkaloid which causes a number of problems for cattle and bred mares.

Artwork by children more...

Tack more...

Helpful Links more...