Jimmyweed – Toxic Plant of the Week

Jimmyweed

Image from Jerryoldenettel

Welcome to another Monday and a new edition in the a-z of plants your horse can’t eat. Today’s plant is a rather common one and it’s fair to say that Jimmyweed won’t be winning beauty contests anytime soon.

A Little About Jimmyweed

Haplopappus heterophyllus is also called Burrow Weed, Goldenbush, Jimmyweed, Rayless Goldenrod and Rosea. This is a small bush with a woody crown and sticky, narrow, toothed leaves grow alternately. Flowers are yellow and grow in flat clusters at the top of stems.

How Dangerous Is It?

This plant is unpalatable to equines and generally only a threat during drought conditions. However its high toxicity and unassuming demeanor makes it a definite problem for grazers.

Leaves of this plant (both fresh and dried) 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. Jimmyweed toxicity symptoms generally show after several days of ingestion and include loss of coordination, weakness, rapid pulse, sweating, problems swallowing, tremors and inability to control urine.

Learn More

Be sure to check out the Jimmyweed 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.