Avocado Tree – Toxic Plant of the Week

Avocado Tree

Image from emdot

It’s that time of the week again, yes…it’s Monday. However it’s not all bad because today we learn about another plant that is potentially dangerous to equines. This week it’s another tree, the green and creamy, yummy-fruit-producing Avocado Tree.

A Little About The Avocado Tree

Persea americana is the Avocado Tree which can grow up to 65 feet tall. They have evergreen leaves that grow alternately, flowers are green/yellow and not flashy, fruit is pear shaped and grows darker as it ripens.

How Dangerous Is It?

Luckily this tree isn’t a big threat to horses and toxicity is relatively mild, however equines (especially mares) should not be allowed access to avocado trees or groves.

Leaves, fruit, seeds & bark is toxic to horses.

Avocado Tree

Image from mikequade

What To Look For

You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Generally toxicity from Avocado Trees only affects mares and cause symptoms which can include non-infecious mastitis, gastritis & colic.

Learn More

Be sure to check out the Avocado Tree page to learn more about the plant and while you are at it why not check out more toxic plants?

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

*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.

One Comment on “Avocado Tree – Toxic Plant of the Week

  1. Tandiwe Katswara

    Thank u very much 4 the info.I am a Vet student and this has helped m in complyin info on the Avocado 4 my Toxicology project.

Comments are closed.