Welcome to the next Monday morning edition in the a-z of plants your horse can’t eat. Today’s plant is truly one of a kind, Ground Cherries almost look like little lanterns, but their bold colors are a clear warning.
A Little About Groundsel
The Senecio species is also called Birdseed, Butterweed, Chickenweed, Groundsel, Ragword, Tansy Ragword and Yellowtop. This is a biennial with a smooth, hollow stem and branches at the top that grows up to 3 feet tall. Leaves are wide, deeply divided and grow alternately. Flowers are bright yellow and grow in clusters.
How Dangerous Is It?
Not generally palatable to equines, this plant is generally only a threat during drought conditions. It can also be found incorporated into hay. Groundsel contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can cause liver failure
All parts of this plant (with highest concentration in flowers and leaves) 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. Groundsel toxicity symptoms are often called “walking disease” or “sleepy staggers” and include loss of appetite, weakness, yawning, loss of coordination, jaundice, aimless walking and constant chewing motion.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Groundsel 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.