Herb check in February, these plants are safe or toxic for horses
Herb Journal · February
These herbs your horse may encounter in February
Which plants may already stand out on pastures, along edges and in natural areas, why some can benefit your horse and why others should be consistently avoided. Our Herb Journal shows you February with typical locations, effects and important warning signs.
Important in February
February often still seems quiet, yet rosettes, winter-green leaves and the first robust herbs are already visible on many areas. This is exactly when it is worth taking a closer look at pastures, ditches, forest edges and yard areas, because many plants are easier to overlook before they flower.
Good to know
Some problematic plants are not only relevant once they start flowering. Ragwort, bracken and field horsetail can put strain on the liver, nervous system, blood formation or digestion and should be identified early.
Monthly overview
3 herbs suitable for horses, 3 plants with a clear warning, including typical locations, effects and possible signs.
February at a glance
Suitable
Ribwort plantain, white clover and chicory
Not suitable
Ragwort, bracken and field horsetail
Check especially
Pasture edges, damp areas, woodland edges, ditches, paddocks and poorly maintained areas, especially where young plants are easy to overlook.
These plants your horse should not eat in February
Not suitable
Ragwort
Ragwort is especially critical for horses because its compounds can put strain on the liver. The tricky part is that damage often does not become noticeable immediately and may develop over a longer period of time. Even when dried, for example in hay, the plant remains problematic.
You often find ragwort on patchy pastures, along path edges, on poor soils and in poorly maintained areas. Possible warning signs in horses may include lethargy, weight loss, changes in appetite, sensitivity to light or unusual behaviour. If poisoning is suspected, a veterinarian should always be contacted.
Not suitable
Bracken
Bracken is not suitable for horses, as repeated intake can put strain on the metabolism, blood formation and nervous system. It becomes especially risky on areas where little other forage is available or where horses nibble on edge vegetation out of boredom.
Typical locations are forest edges, poor soils, light woodland areas and natural spaces. Possible signs may include weakness, unsteady movement, coordination problems, apathy or a generally poor condition. Pastures near woodland should therefore be checked regularly.
Not suitable
Field horsetail
Field horsetail is often underestimated because it looks inconspicuous. For horses, it can be problematic because it may affect the vitamin balance and, with higher or repeated intake, put strain on digestion, nerves and overall well-being.
It prefers damp, compacted or poorly drained soils, ditches, hollows and nutrient-poor areas. In horses, possible signs may include reduced performance, dull coat, digestive issues, restlessness or unsteady movements. Damp pasture areas should therefore be checked especially carefully.
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Did you know?
Many plants are not yet visible in their eye-catching flowering form in February. That is exactly why leaf shape, location and growth habit are so important. Anyone who identifies poisonous plants early and can safely distinguish suitable herbs protects their horse and understands their own pasture much better.
These herbs your horse may eat in February
Suitable
Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain is a valuable meadow and pasture herb. Among other things, it contains mucilage, tannins and bitter substances, which is why it is traditionally associated with the airways, mucous membranes and digestion. Many horses eat it selectively and gladly.
You can find ribwort plantain on meadows, pastures, along paths and on rather resilient, tread-resistant areas. Its robust, natural contribution to forage diversity is especially positive. It is still important that it is not collected from heavily polluted roadsides or treated areas.
Suitable
White clover
White clover can be a nutrient-rich addition for horses, as it provides protein and occurs naturally on many healthy pasture areas. In small to moderate amounts, it is unproblematic for many horses and is readily eaten.
It grows particularly on meadows, short-grazed pastures and more nutrient-rich soils. The amount is important: if white clover dominates strongly, it can burden sensitive horses and contribute to bloating or digestive problems. That is why a balanced plant population is ideal.
Suitable
Chicory
Chicory is familiar to many people because of its later blue flowers. Even as a young plant, it is interesting because it contains bitter substances and can therefore support natural digestion. Horses often eat it selectively when it suits the area.
Typical locations are path edges, dry soils, poor meadows and open areas. Chicory often indicates that the soil is rather dry and lower in nutrients. For horses, it is a useful addition to forage diversity, as long as it does not come from polluted roadsides.
Other plants in February
In addition to the six main plants, there are other species in February that horse owners should know. What matters is not only whether a plant is suitable, but also where it grows, in what amount it occurs and whether it may cause possible discomfort.
Suitable
Dandelion
Dandelion grows on meadows, pastures and in sheltered spots. Many horses enjoy eating it, and it can stimulate natural digestion as well as the metabolism.
Suitable
Daisy
Daisies often appear on short-grass areas and, in mild weather, already early in the year. They are considered unproblematic and bring natural diversity to the pasture.
Suitable
Yarrow, early leaf rosette
Yarrow grows on meadows, pasture edges and rather dry areas. In small amounts, it can be an interesting addition, especially because of its bitter substances.
Poisonous
Buttercup
Buttercup often occurs on damp meadows. When fresh, it can irritate mucous membranes and, if eaten, may cause salivation, mouth irritation or digestive discomfort.
Poisonous
Autumn crocus, leaves
The leaves of autumn crocus appear early and often grow on wetter meadows. It is highly poisonous and can cause colic, diarrhoea, weakness or severe poisoning.
Poisonous
Thuja
Thuja is often found along yard edges, driveways or in gardens. Clippings are especially dangerous and can cause digestive problems, weakness or stronger signs of poisoning.
A small guide for your February pasture check
| Plant | For horses | Typical focus point |
|---|---|---|
| Ragwort | No | Patchy pastures, path edges, dry sites, possible liver strain |
| Bracken | No | Forest edges, poor soils, natural areas, possible weakness |
| Field horsetail | No | Damp, compacted or nutrient-poor soils, possible digestive problems |
| Ribwort plantain | Yes | Meadows, pastures, path edges, valuable for natural forage diversity |
| White clover | Yes | Meadows, short-grass areas, pastures, suitable in moderate amounts |
| Chicory | Yes | Path edges, dry sites, open areas, digestion-supporting bitter substances |
Our conclusion for February
February is a month for looking closely. Many plants still appear inconspicuous, but they may already be important for pasture safety. Anyone who identifies poisonous species early, checks typical locations and at the same time classifies suitable herbs safely protects their horse and lays the foundation for a healthy, mindful grazing season.
