It’s Monday again and I’ve got another plant your horse can’t eat for you. While today’s plant is fairly common it’s not generally on the equine menu. The Elephant Ear is almost too big to eat!
A Little About Elephant Ear
Colocasia is also called Elephant Ear. This is a perennial herb which grows large, arrow-shaped (often variegated) leaves on long stalks. Flowers grow in a spadix with a green/yellow spathe.
How Dangerous Is It?
This plant is unpalatable to equines and not often grown in areas animals have access to. However it contains highly toxic calcium oxalate crystals which can irritate on contact.
All parts of this plant 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. Elephant Ear toxicity symptoms include burning, swelling or irritation of the mouth and throat, diarrhea and excitability.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Elephant Ear 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.