Fiddleleaf Fig – Toxic Plant of the Week

Fiddleleaf Fig

It’s Monday morning and time another in my a-z of plants your horse can’t eat series. Today’s plant is one you don’t often think about being toxic, but sadly the Fiddleleaf Fig is a one of the bad guys.

A Little About Fiddleleaf Figs

Ficus lyrata is also called Fiddleleaf Fig. This is an evergreen shrub or tree which can grow up to 50 feet tall. Leaves are dull green, thick and hourglass or fiddle-shaped. Flowers and small and nondescript, fruit is fleshy, round and green.

How Dangerous Is It?

This plant is unpalatable to horses and generally only a problem during drought conditions. However the sap is toxic and can irritate on contact.

The sap of this plant is toxic to equines.

Fiddleleaf Fig

What To Look For

You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Fiddleleaf Fig toxicity symptoms include itching, redness and swelling of the mouth and throat, gastrointestinal upset and colic.

Learn More

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

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*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.