Columbine – Toxic Plant of the Week

Columbine
It’s another Monday morning and once again I have a brilliantly beautiful plant that can make your horse sick to share. Today we are going to look closer at a plant with the loveliest most delicate flowers, the Columbine.

A Little About Columbine

Aquilegia is Columbine, also commonly called Culverwort, Granny’s Bonnet & Granny’s Nightcap. This is a perennial herb with branched, hairy stems, pinnate leaves and showy flowers found in a variety of colors.

How Dangerous Is It?

The flowering plants generally used in gardens are perhaps the least of a horse owner’s worries & this flower is no different. Not a palatable plant for horses, this is one to simply be aware of as it contains cardiogenic toxins and aconitum which affect cardiovascular system.

All parts of the plant are toxic (with the highest concentration in the roots & seeds) to equines.

Columbine

What To Look For

You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Columbine toxicity symptoms can include gastrointestinal distress, loss of coordination and diarrhea.

Learn More

Be sure to check out the Columbine 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.