It’s another Monday morning and once again time to learn something new, like which plants your horse can’t eat. Today, we’ll be looking at the Cherry Laurel which isn’t the kind of cherry tree which bears edible fruit.
A Little About Cherry Laurels
Prunus laurocerasus is the Cherry Laurel, also commonly called Carolina Cherry Laurel. This is an evergreen tree with glossy green leaves of different colors, white & fragrant flowers which grow in spears and small blue or black fruit.
How Dangerous Is It?
This is one seriously poisonous plant – the Laurel family in general is known for their extreme toxicity. Although they are unpalatable and only a great concern during dry conditions it’s best to simply keep a fence between them and your animal. Cherry Laurels contain a toxin which halts cellular respiration.
All parts of the plant (highest concentration is in wilted leaves) except the cherries are toxic and can be fatal to equines.
What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Cherry Laurel toxicity symptoms can include excitability, tremors, excessive drooling and convulsions.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Cherry Laurel page to learn more about the plant and while you are at it why not check out more toxic plants?
*It should be noted that I’m not a veterinarian. This information is written specifically for horses and should be used for reference purposes only. If you think your horse has eaten something toxic call your vet right away.
I believe my mare has eaten a few brances of cherry laurel, maybe even berries n for sure the bark? I’m very worried as found cow pats in the field and watched it shoot out of her tonight like water? she is eating her hay and drinking well? Any advise please? X