Welcome to yet another weekly edition of the a-z of plants horses should totally avoid. Today’s plant is an absolutely beautiful one that is commonly used for ornamental planting & landscaping. However, while Laburnum may be beautiful, it definitely doesn’t like your horse!
A Little About Laburnum
Laburnum is also called Golden Rain Tree, Golden Chain Tree & Peascod. This is a small deciduous tree that grows to twenty feet tall. Leaves alternate on long stalks with three leaflets. Flowers are pea-like, golden yellow & hang in long drooping clusters. fruit is a long, flat pod.
How Dangerous Is It?
While this plant is unpalatable & only a problem during drought conditions, it’s high toxicity makes it one to know by sight. Laburnum contains cytisine, which affects the GI tract & the central nervous system, keep your horses well away.
All parts of this plant are toxic (with highest concentration in the seeds) & can be fatal to equines.
What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Laburnum toxicity symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness, convulsions, colic, frothing of the mouth, unequally dilated pupils, diarrhea & coma.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Laburnum 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.
I am wondering if it would not be helpful if you would tell us horse lovers where these toxic plants are typically found growing ie. which states, regions etc. Or if they are found everywhere then say that.
Thank you.