What Flowers Are Poisonous to Horses?

Many plants that we enjoy as humans may be toxic to horses. Horse owners should be vigilant about allowing the animals graze freely on trails. The types of plants the horse should stay away from could be found there. It's important also that areas in which the horse spends a lot of time be clear of these plants.

  1. Rayless Goldenrod

    • If a horse eats these flowers the symptoms could include tremors, dizziness and depression. Rayless goldenrods are usually found in and around irrigation canals and grow yellow flowers.

    Larkspur

    • Symptoms include loss of appetite, excitable nature, falling and staggering and constipation. Larger amounts can cause slobbering, bloating and respiratory paralysis leading to death.

    Nightshade

    • Symptoms include weakness, staggering, digestive problems, muscle tremors, loss of muscle coordination and death from respiratory paralysis. It looks like tomato plant flowers and has berry-like fruit growing on it making it attractive to horses.

    Silverling

    • Among the more serious flowers as far as consequences, a horse can be paralyzed and die after ingesting it. It can found in open areas in the U.S. Sliverling produces white flowers.

    Yellow Jessamine

    • This flower makes the horse stiff and lowers the pulse and body temperature, possibly resulting in death. The plant is a vine with yellow flowers and a quick-acting toxin.