This can be an issue, as many trees and plants commonly used in landscaping are hazardous to horses. Before you begin laying out your landscaping, check out this handy list to find out what plants should and shouldn’t be used around horses. While the list can seem extensive, it doesn’t require that the land surrounding your farm be laid bare. Non-toxic trees, plants and flowers can beautify your barn without putting your horses at risk.
While all of the “avoid” plants should not be immediately accessible to curious equines, it may also be worthwhile to keep them off your property entirely, even where horses don’t normally roam. Horses have a way of finding their freedom on occasion, and the last thing you want is for an escapee to nibble on something he shouldn’t.
Plants to Avoid: | ||
Trees: | Plants: | Flowers: |
| Black locust Black walnut Fruit trees:
Red Maple | Yew Boxwood Bracken Fern Branching Ivy Burning Bush English Holly English Ivy Holly | Buttercup Chrysanthemum Daffodil Foxglove Hibiscus Gardenia Garlic Heliotrope Hibiscus Hosta Hyacinth Hydrangea Jack-in-the-pulpit Lily-of-the-Valley Oleander Paper White Peony Sweet Pea Wisteria |
Plants Non-Toxic to Horses: | ||
Trees: | Plants: | Flowers: |
Hawthorn Hemlock Hickory Maples (except red) Oaks Pear Tulip Poplar | Crepe Myrtle Eastern Arborvitae Eastern Teaberry Hollyleaved Barberry Mulberry Swedish Ivy | Coral Bells Daisies Easter Lilly Gerber Daisy Hens and chicks Hollyhock Rose Snapdragons Sunflower Tiger Lily |
Listed here are just a few of the plants, trees and shrubs that are both hazardous and safe for your four-legged friends. For a more detailed list of what trees, plants and flowers are safe to be planted around horses, visit the ASPCA’s animal poison control center.
Liked this article? Here are others you’ll enjoy:
Protect Your Horse from Poisoning
Are There Poisonous Plants in Your Horse’s Pasture?
Toxic Horse Treats
great list! thanks
I had to look up about honeysuckle. Horses eating some is ok but in large quantities-no. My horses can get to a single bush that’s grown over the fence. Oh the gas they pass lol!
Great to know.
I am glad the horses do not eat some of these plants, because they grow wild in the pastures.
Thanks for the useful information. Poison plants are always a worry for horse owners.