Horses & Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle is a garden plant whose flowers have a fragrant and distinctive smell. There are two main types of honeysuckle: climbing honeysuckle, which can be grown over fences or trellises, and honeysuckle that is more shrub-like. There are several different varieties of honeysuckle and, while most are nontoxic to horses, others can be poisonous if eaten in large quantities.

  1. Identification

    • Honeysuckle is a green plant with white or purple flowers. Certain varieties, such as the honeysuckle fuchsia, are popular in gardens and the plant's flowers give off a fragrant smell. They are easy to grow and bothered by few pests. Climbing honeysuckle can grow over fences and supports, while other types of evergreen honeysuckles can provide beautiful shrubbery plants.

    Geography

    • Honeysuckle grows in most Northern Hemisphere countries throughout America, Asia and Europe. It is fast-growing and resistant to most temperature changes, so it can survive the warm summers and cold winters of this region. Although it is affected in severely cold weather, it can withstand temperatures dropping to around minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can be grown on most types of terrain and is used as ground cover or erosion control.

    Significance

    • As it is a common plant, honeysuckle is easily accessible to horses and you might be worried about the potential for your animals to be poisoned. However, according to the ASPCA, varieties like honeysuckle fuchsia are not poisonous to horses when eaten. Invasive species like the Japanese honeysuckle can be toxic to animals and humans, but only when eaten in large quantities. Symptoms of honeysuckle toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea and a rapid heartbeat.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Although honeysuckle poisoning is unlikely, the best method of prevention is to check your horse's enclosure regularly for any new plants and remove weeds or unknown flowers as soon as you see them. Honeysuckle grows very rapidly and, in warmer parts of the Northern Hemisphere, can flower year-round. If your horse exhibits any of the symptoms of honeysuckle poisoning, it is important to consult a vet immediately.

    Considerations

    • According to the Hawaiian Ecosystem at Risk Project, the Japanese honeysuckle presents a major threat to other plants and has been outlawed in several American states. However, it is still grown in some gardens and can be found in wild areas, such as forests. According to the University of North Carolina, the vine and the fruit of the plant have toxic qualities so people and animals should avoid both.