We are working our way through the alphabet in the a-z of plants your horse can’t eat. Today’s plant name is sure to get a giggle or two. Hoary Alyssum sounds like a woman of ill repute in some wild west town during the gold rush – it must be bad news!
A Little About Hoary Alyssum
Berteroa incana is also called Hoary Alyssum. This is an annual and sometimes biennial herb that grows up to 2 feet tall. Lanced shaped leaves are covered in grey down and grow alternately. Tiny white flowers have four petals and grow in elongated clusters.
How Dangerous Is It?
This plant is unpalatable to equines and only a threat during drought conditions. However is has been found incorporated into hay. This plant contains an unknown toxic component that is incredibly dangerous, even when dried. It is especially dangerous for pregnant mares.
All parts of this plant are toxic (fresh or dried) and can be fatal to equines.
What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Hoary Alyssum toxicity symptoms generally occur 12-24 hours after ingestion and include fever, swollen legs, colic, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite, dehydration and premature birth in pregnant mares.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Hoary Alyssum 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.