Media Contact: Julie Christensen, U of M Extension, (612) 626-4077, reuve007@umn.edu

Book identifies plants poisonous to horses

ST. PAUL, Minn. (12/17/2007) — Due to the severe drought that affected most of the upper Midwest in 2007, the number of horse poisonings from pasture and hayfield weeds are on the rise. 

To help horse owners identify and control poisonous weeds and plants and understand treatment recommendations for their horses, University of Minnesota Extension recently released a book titled “Plants Poisonous or Harmful to Horses in the North Central United States.” The book was sponsored by a grant from the Minnesota Racing Commission.

This 44-page book presents research-based information on 18 plants or groups of plants that commonly cause poisoning or harm to horses in the North Central States. The book includes hoary alyssum, hemlock, white snakeroot, foxtail, chokecherry, buttercup, fescue and more. For each plant or group of plants, weed identification, weed control, toxin, when toxic, signs and effects of toxicosis and horse treatment options are discussed. A glossary and reference sections are also included.

The book includes close to 70 color photos of poisonous or harmful plants at various growth stages and in different environments. The book will assist horse owners in becoming familiar with plants that can cause problems. The book retails for $10 (plus shipping and handling) and can be ordered online at the Extension Horse Program website.

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Source: Krishona Martinson, Extension educator in crops

URL: http:// www.extension.umn.edu/extensionnews/2007/poisonplants.html  This page was updated Dec. 17, 2007 .
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