Viper’s Bugloss

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This information is for reference only, if you think your horse has eaten something toxic, call your vet right away.

Viper’s Bugloss

Names: Echium plantagineum, salvation Jane, Patterson’s curse, tower of jewels

Description: Biennial or triennial plant with a tapering stem which grows up to thirteen feet. Leaves are silver / green, lanceolate and curling with irritating hairs. Flowers are rose / purple / blue grow in spikes

Concern level: Only during drought conditions, unpalatable, can be incorporated into hay. High toxicity level and irritating hairs, animals should be kept clear of these plants.

Toxic parts: Hairs that cover the stem and leaves produce severe inflammation when they come in contact with the skin.

Symptoms: Lack of appetite, weakness, yawning, lack of coordination, jaundice of mucous membranes, aimless walking, chewing motions, gastrointestinal upset, tremors, death.

Danger: Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which cause liver failure, called “walking disease” or “sleepy staggers” and can be fatal.