Equine Health

Medicine & Husbandry

Toxic Plants

Below are a list of some of the trees and shrubs that are the most deadly in our area. This is NOT a complete list of dangerous plants! When exposing a horse to any tree or shrub that could be ingested it is important to ask your veterinarian for any possible toxicity.

• Cardiac glycoside containing plants (oleander, azalea, foxglove, and rhododendrons): Animals that ingest these plants can have signs from mild gastrointestinal upset to seizures and even death from terminal arrhythmia of the heart. Some of these plants are so toxic that half of a leaf can cause death.
  
  
• Maple trees: Although more common in other parts of the U.S., dried maple leaves are extremely toxic to horses. As little as three wilted leaves can cause fatalities.
  
  
• Nightshades: Most plants in this family are toxic, although the level of toxicity varies. The leaves, stems, and berries can all cause poisoning that usually results in abdominal pain, drowsiness, trembling, weakness, and even death.
  
  
• Japanese Yew: This common ornamental shrub is readily consumed by livestock and the trimmings and prunings may also be ingested. It is very toxic, and most animals that consume it are generally found dead.

If you have any questions about a certain plant and it’s safety, please do not hesitate to call our office. Not only should you carefully choose the plants adjacent to your horse enclosure, but also those in your entire yard. You never know when a loose horse will run by and grab a mouthful of a shrub!