As we move towards the holiday season, this week’s installment in the a-z of plants your horse can’t eat is appropriate. Today’s plant is one that makes everyone think of evergreen and eggnog, but Holly is as dangerous as it is festive.
A Little About Holly
Ilex is more commonly called Holly. This is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Leaves are shiny, dark green and can have spine tipped sections. Flowers vary by species and fruits are bright red/purple/bladk berries that grow in clusters.
How Dangerous Is It?
This plant is unpalatable to equines and only a threat during drought conditions. However it is highly toxic and horses should be kept away from it. Holly contains ilicin which is toxic to the digestive, nervous and cardiovascular systems.
The berries and leaves of this plant are toxic and can be fatal to equines.
What To Look For
You know your animal the best, so you should know when something is amiss. Holly toxicity symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat and convulsions.
Learn More
Be sure to check out the Hoary Alyssum page to learn more about the plant and while you are at it why not check out more toxic plants?
*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.