is canada thistle toxic to horses

“Hoary alyssum was a big problem for us … Should you ignore the lists? Keep in mind that a poisonous tree doesn’t have to be in or directly next to a pasture in order to become a problem, as wind can carry leaves, seeds, and branches a good distance under the right conditions. Horses and horse owners both love trees near pastures. It infests crops, pastures, rangelands, roadsides, and riparian areas (Beck 1996). Wear heavy gloves, grab a shovel, and be careful as you remove these plants. Home Systems are a hot holiday gift list item. By law, these weeds must be controlled on all public and private lands.”. "The Garden Professors" Facebook group - www.facebook.com/groups/GardenProfessors In Bulgaria Cirsium arvense is a host for the cucumber mosaic virus (Dikova 1989). Advancing the science of gardening and other stuff since 2009. Were I in your position, I’d spend my “Political Capital”, on eliminating all the native, beneficial species on the Minnesota secondary noxious weed list bannable at the county level by petition. Besides adding beauty to your farm property and ambience to your pastures (what’s nicer than a few horses grazing happily under a single large tree? It releases chemicals toxic to other plants. Can we ignore these lists, based on what you say here? Please let us know a convenient time to call you on, (*All time slots are available in CDT zone.). •What to do: Not “toxic” but can cause irritations in the mouth of animals check animals mouths frequently. The ASPCA say they are non-toxic to horses: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/orange-day-lily. Horses are considered the least susceptible animals to nitrate poisoning. His favorite is probably Misty (1961). That said, Canadian thistle is listed because of political pressure (I do sit on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s committee which reviews these weeds). This article originally appeared in the May 2019 issue of Horse Illustrated magazine. (* about $6500 of my annual salary and benefits comes from fulfilling Master Gardener responsibilities. In pastures, Canada thistle reduces productivity by crowding out forage species with spiny leaves that deter cattle from grazing. 2nd cite Colorado: Weeds like buttercup are bad but are not normally touched by horses unless they are desperate. This is an interesting discussion but I’m very confused. We use cookies to help personalize content, tailor and measure ads, and provide a safer experience. “Impacts Agricultural: Canada thistle is an aggressive, creeping, perennial weed. Several plants, including nightshade, become more toxic as they wilt and die, posing a danger to horses eating dried hay or plant matter blown into their pastures. Canadian thistle is much smaller with multiple flowers. which damages corn (Detmers 1927). Some weeds are even toxic to horses. Garlic mustard has been here since colonial times and is on many lists, and makes a fine pesto. Some equines seem to actually enjoy thistle flowers (it works for Eeyore), but certain varieties can be toxic. Happily, many horses tend to leave milkweed alone, but eliminating it entirely is a better option. Only recently have the harmful impacts of Canada thistle to native species and natural ecosystems received notable attention.”, Idaho: YELLOW STAR THISTLE: Clinical experiments using poisoned horse’s fed through stomach tubes have shown that even after extended periods of time affected horses … Upon a review of the published literature on equines and toxic plants, the impression remains that all weeds are toxic or dangerous. Add livestock and dairy interests, and I think you’re tilting at windmills with your fellows on the committee. “Noxious weeds are difficult to control and injurious to public health, the environment, roads, crops, livestock and property. Isn’t that the point of these lists to begin with? “The state regulations of the Kentucky Seed Law classify certain plants such as Canada thistle, johnsongrass, and quackgrass as noxious weeds and prohibit their presence in commercial seed sold in Kentucky.”, National Park Service: Oak leaves and acorns can be problematic since they contain tannin, although a horse would need to consumer a large amount of material before symptoms would occur. Cirsium arvense threatens natural communities by directly competing with and displacing native vegetation, decreasing species diversity, and changing the structure and composition of some habitats. And although I greatly value your opinion, my skepticism dictates more facts and figures before I’d sign a petition to remove canada thistle from the noxious weed list. “THREATS POSED BY THIS SPECIES: Natural areas invaded by Cirsium arvense include prairies and other grasslands in the midwest and Great Plains and riparian areas in the intermountain west. PLANTS THAT ARE TOXIC TO HORSES AND LIVESTOCK The following is a guide of several plants that can be found growing in Lincoln County that are poisonous to horses and livestock. The aesthetic value of a pasture is also impacted by weeds. Varieties of thistle are similarly annoying, with sometimes fierce prickles growing all along the plant. approach other than current government regulatory action is or is not warranted. By navigating the site, you agree to the use of cookies to collect information. If the political process is not the way that legal definitions are made, what do you propose as an alternative? ... One reference points out that Canadian thistle is toxic to horses — that’s wrong. Click here to subscribe! Thistle prickles can get stuck horses’ lips and tongues, and some varieties are toxic. Still not convinced. It also increases harvesting problems due to seed and forage contamination. And while milkweed may be a fine food source for young caterpillars, it’s definitely not fine fodder for horses, and not something you want to see growing in your pasture. ), From the Minnesota pdf referenced above: “Noxious weeds are found in range and pasture as well as noncrop areas and cropland. Many of these references simply state what noxious is supposed to mean and provide no evidence that Canadian thistle actually fits the definition — that’s not helpful and doesn’t prove anything. In Canada, the major impact of Cirsium arvense is in agricultural land, and in natural areas that have been disturbed or are undergoing restoration (White et al. Troublesome statewide noxious weeds like Canada thistle, leafy spurge, perennial sow thistle, Russian knapweed, and hoary cress can be serious problems in pasture and rangeland.”. It is known to harbor other pest species, e.g., insects, and has long been recognized as an agricultural est.