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POISONOUS PLANTS IN FLORIDA
John Henline
407-451-5154
I want to start off by saying that I am not an expert on poisonous plants. I have a very good "green thumb", I can grow grass on sand, and I have a very nice collection of orchids, but I am NOT an expert on poisonous plants.
Lantana
I recently attended a seminar at the "Tack Shack', a feed store in Oviedo Florida and the guest speaker, Professor Dennis Mudge spoke on "Poisonous Plants in Pastures". Prof. Mudge is a livestock agent with the University of Florida and serves the Central Florida area. If you have any questions or problems with a potentially poisonous plant please call Prof. Mudge. He is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. Black Nightshade
Most people with horses tend to believe that their horses are smart enough to know which plants to eat and which ones to stay away from, and for the most part that theory is correct. The problem is when a horse is introduced to a new pasture in a new area and they are exposed to plants that they have no experience with. Even a new plant appearing on an existing pasture by accident, (neighbors ornamental plants or seeds from questionable hay) can threaten a horse. Some plants in Florida pastures don't grow in northern pastures and some plants that are poisonous in one area of the country are not as toxic in other areas.
Bracken Fern
The very best way to control and prevent poisonous plants from becoming a problem is to mow the pasture. Regular mowing will do more than anything else in solving the threat of your horse ingesting something toxic. We all see weeds in the pasture that have thorns and weird colored berries and know that they are not good for the horse or our children. The plants and shrubs that are more normal looking and that have beautiful foliage and flowers are the ones that will fool you.
Crotalaria
This link is very helpful and has numerous photos and details of poisonous plants but it does not cover all plants or trees that can be harmful to your horse, you or your children.
Oleander
If you have any concerns please call an expert. This article is intended an introduction to poisonous plants, a first step in a better understanding of the enviremont that we live in. Many of these plants are wonderful for landscaping, but not in our pastures or around our children.
John Henline
407-451-5154
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