Herb check in January, these plants are safe or toxic for horses
Herb Journal · January
These herbs your horse may encounter in January
Which plants are already visible now, where you can find them and what effect they may have on your horse. Our Herb Journal shows you January with typical locations, positive properties and important warning signs.
Important in January
Even in winter, the first herbs, leaf rosettes and evergreen plants are already visible. That is exactly why it is worth taking a closer look at pasture edges, gardens, yard entrances and hedges, because some plants are valuable while others can become problematic even in small amounts.
Good to know
Not everything that is green is automatically harmless. Particularly poisonous garden plants such as yew or boxwood can become a risk even in winter, while robust wild herbs bring natural diversity to the pasture.
Monthly overview
3 herbs suitable for horses, 3 plants with a clear warning, including locations, effects and possible signs.
January at a glance
Suitable
Dandelion, daisy and chickweed
Not suitable
Yew, boxwood and autumn crocus
Check especially
Pasture edges, gardens, clippings, yard areas, fences and hedges, especially where horses could reach plant remains or garden waste.
These plants your horse should not eat in January
Not suitable
Yew
Yew is one of the most dangerous plants for horses. Its compounds can strongly affect the cardiovascular system and may cause severe poisoning even after only a small intake. What makes it especially treacherous is that it stays green all year round and can therefore look attractive and fresh even in January.
You often find yew as a hedge plant in gardens, at yard entrances, along paths or near property boundaries. Disposed clippings are particularly critical because horses may reach them more easily than the actual hedge. Possible warning signs can include restlessness, trembling, breathing problems, weakness or a very sudden decline in general condition. If poisoning is suspected, a veterinarian must be called immediately.
Not suitable
Boxwood
Boxwood looks harmless at first glance because it is often known as a decorative garden plant. However, it is not suitable for horses, as its compounds can put strain on digestion, circulation and the nervous system. The main problem is that branches or clippings can quickly end up within reach.
Typical locations are front gardens, borders, yard edges, stable driveways and neighbouring home gardens. Pay particular attention to freshly cut branches or garden waste near paddocks and pastures. Possible signs can include salivation, restlessness, colic symptoms, diarrhoea, weakness or noticeably changed behaviour.
Not suitable
Autumn crocus
Autumn crocus is often associated with its later flowering period, but for horse owners the early leaves are important too. The plant is highly poisonous and can severely disrupt cell metabolism. Even small amounts can be problematic, especially if leaves are overlooked on pastures or later in hay.
It prefers wetter meadows, natural areas and sites with denser vegetation. In January and early in the year, young leaves and rosettes should be watched carefully. Possible signs in horses can include colic, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, weakness, salivation or a clearly worsened general condition. If poisoning is suspected, fast veterinary help is important.
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Did you know?
In January, many plants are still inconspicuous, but their effects may already be relevant. Especially with evergreen garden plants, early leaf rosettes and robust wild herbs, it is worth taking a second look: it helps you identify valuable forage plants and remove dangerous plants from your horse’s surroundings in good time.
These herbs your horse may eat in January
Suitable
Dandelion
Dandelion is one of the best-known wild herbs on horse pastures. Many horses enjoy eating it, and it can stimulate natural digestion as well as the metabolism. Its bitter substances make it an interesting plant within the natural forage offering.
You can find dandelion on meadows, pastures, along path edges and in sheltered spots, where it may already be visible early in the year. Its clear recognisability and high acceptance are especially positive. It is still important that it does not come from heavily polluted roadsides, fertilised margins or treated areas.
Suitable
Daisy
The daisy looks small and inconspicuous, but it is a lovely example of natural diversity on the pasture. In this overview, it is considered unproblematic and is usually eaten by horses only in small amounts. That is exactly why it fits well into a balanced plant population.
Typical locations are short-grass meadows, pastures, yard areas and light spots where it can already appear early in mild weather. For horses, it is interesting above all because it makes the pasture more diverse without being heavy or dominant. As with all plants, a clean location and a natural, moderate amount are key.
Suitable
Chickweed
Chickweed is an early, tender wild herb that can also be visible in cooler months. It appears fresh and juicy and is enjoyed by many horses. With its soft growth, it fits well among the first green plants that appear on sheltered areas in winter and early spring.
You often find chickweed in cool, sheltered and rather damp places, for example along pasture edges, near yards or on loose soils. Its good acceptance and its role as an early sign of active vegetation are positive. Here too, it is important that it is clearly identified and not confused with plants from polluted or dirty locations.
Other plants in January
In addition to the six main plants, there are other species in January that horse owners should know. Some support natural forage diversity, while others are mainly found along garden edges, hedges or near yards and can cause discomfort or poisoning if eaten.
Suitable
Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain grows on meadows, pastures and along path edges. Among other things, it contains mucilage, tannins and bitter substances and is traditionally associated with the airways, mucous membranes and digestion.
Suitable
Nettle, young shoots
Young nettle shoots may appear early in sheltered spots. They are rich in minerals and can complement natural forage diversity, although fresh plants are often avoided because of the stinging hairs.
Suitable
Yarrow, early leaf rosette
Yarrow grows on meadows, pasture edges and rather dry locations. In small amounts, it can be an interesting addition thanks to its bitter substances and may support natural digestion.
Poisonous
Thuja
Thuja is often found as a hedge near stables, along driveways or in neighbouring gardens. Clippings are especially dangerous and can cause digestive problems, weakness or stronger signs of poisoning.
Poisonous
Cherry laurel
Cherry laurel is an evergreen garden plant that often grows along property boundaries. It can be dangerous for horses, especially if leaves or clippings end up within reach.
Poisonous
Ragwort, rosette
Even though the yellow flower only becomes noticeable later, the rosette may already be present earlier. The plant can put strain on the liver and should be identified early before it spreads further.
A small guide for your January pasture check
| Plant | For horses | Typical focus point |
|---|---|---|
| Yew | No | Hedges, gardens, clippings, possible cardiovascular risk |
| Boxwood | No | Front gardens, yard edges, fences, possible digestive discomfort |
| Autumn crocus | No | Natural areas, wetter places, possible colic and weakness |
| Dandelion | Yes | Meadows, pastures, path edges, digestion-supporting bitter substances |
| Daisy | Yes | Short-grass areas, pastures, natural plant diversity |
| Chickweed | Yes | Cool, sheltered, wetter places, early juicy wild herb |
Our conclusion for January
January is not an empty month, but the quiet start of the new herb year. Between the first suitable wild herbs and evergreen poisonous plants, it already becomes clear how important a trained eye is for horse owners. Anyone who knows locations, effects and possible signs will recognise earlier what may benefit their horse and what should be consistently removed or secured.
