Welcome to another Monday morning edition of which plants your horse can’t eat. Today we’ll be taking a look at perhaps one of the strangest plants on the list, the alien-like Buttonbush
A Little About the Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis is the Buttonbush, generally a shrub or small tree (but can grow quite large). This plant has lance shaped leaves, white flowers which grow in spheres (or balls) & dark brown fruit.
How Dangerous Is It?
Highly unpalatable, Buttonbush is a larger concern during drought conditions. However it is dangerous and horses should be kept well away from it during dry seasons. The toxic principle in this plant is unknown and there isn’t much known about toxicity in equines either.
The Buttonbush leaves are toxic to equines.
What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Buttonbush toxicity symptoms are not well documented, but can include muscle spasms, gastrointestinal upset and paralysis.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Buttonbush 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.