Due to improper pasture maintenance, pastures can become overgrazed or suffer drought. When this happens, a horse is more prone to consume toxic shrubs and suffer poisoning.
Stocking the pasture with shrubs that are known to not be poisonous to horses can prevent sickness.
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Red Chokeberry
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Red chokeberry is a shrub native to the United States. It features clusters of small, white flowers in the mid-spring and bright red fruit in the summer and fall. This shrub adapts to both dry and wet climates, making it ideal for pastures that may be prone to overgrazing.
Smokebush/Smoketree
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The smokebush (sometimes referred to as a smoketree) is native to southern Europe and central China. Its flowers are held in large, loose, fuzzy clusters and often bloom in early summer. The stalks of the fruit clusters give the plant a smoky appearance due to hairs covering the stalks. The plant often grows in full sun.
Rugosa Rose
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The rugosa rose is native to China, Korea and Japan. Its flowers are deep pink, rose pink or white and bloom in late spring and early summer. The rugosa rose grows in full sun and grows best in moist soil but will tolerate some dryness. It is often used as a border or hedge in pasture landscaping.
Glossy Abelia
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The glossy abelia is a hybrid plant with pale pink, funnel-shaped flowers. It grows well both in full sun and in partial shade. In pastures, it can be used both as a border plant or can appear naturally in masses.
Northern Bayberry
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Northern bayberry is an evergreen bush native to the United States. Its dark green foliage is aromatic when crushed. It tolerates both dry and wet soil.
Scarlet Firethorn
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Scarlet firethorn is native to Europe and Asia. It is recognizable for its bright red-orange fruits and it blooms with clusters of small white flowers in early summer. The shrub is an evergreen and can tolerate both wet and dry soils. It is often used as a hedge or barrier plant.
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