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Welcome to this week’s edition of the a-z of plants that don’t like your horse. Today’s plant is a common one, but it is also one that is every bit as ugly as it’s name & toxicity implies. Pigweed dispels the myth that toxic plants must be deadly beauties, they can be downright ugly too!
A Little About Pigweed
Amaranthus retroflexus is also called Amaranth & Pigweed. This is an annual that grows on a red usually hairy stem with many branches. Leaves are oval & alternate. Flowers are greenish & grow in dense bracts. Fruit is a small, shiny, black seed
How Dangerous Is It?
This plant is unpalatable & only an issue during drought conditions. However it has been known to be incorporated into hay – always check what you feed. Pigweed contains oxalates & nitrates, which increase potassium levels & affects kidneys.
The leaves & stems of this plant are toxic & can be fatal to equines.
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What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Pigweed toxicity symptoms include tremors, loss of coordination, abortion of fetus in pregnant mares, knuckling of fetlock joints & coma.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Pigweed page to learn more about the plant & while you are at it why not check out more toxic plants?
*It should be noted that we’re not veterinarians. This information is written specifically for horses & should be used for reference purposes only. If you think your horse has eaten something toxic call your vet right away.