Foxglove
“Digitalis”

Foxglove is also called Digitalis, which is a genus of about 20 species of herbaceous perennials, shrubs ad biennials. Their scientific name means “finger-like” since the flowers can be fitted over fingertips. They are native to western and south Western Europe, western and central Asia and northwestern Africa. The best-known species is “Common Foxglove” but other names such as “Dead Man’s Bells” and “Witches’ Gloves” have been given to it.

They grow very well in acidic soils with partial sunlight and a lot of shade. They can be found in open woods, woodland clearings, moorland, heath margins, sea-cliffs, rocky mountain slopes and hedge banks. Foxglove is also found where the ground has been disturbed such as a clearing or burning. This plant grows on a tall spike that is tubular and they have a range of colors from purple to pink, white, and yellow.

Toxic to Horses

Just a small ingestion of this plant can cause death and every part; even the seeds and roots are toxic. It is poisonous to horses and ponies as well as sheep, cattle, dogs and humans. As of now there is no treatment available other than rest.

Symptoms

Horses will experience diarrhea, colic, mild to moderate enteritis and distention of the atrium with occasional necrosis. There may also be Renal, Neurological and Cardiac effects to the farm animals. In humans early ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, wild hallucinations, delirium and severe headache. Later on the victim may suffer from irregular and slow pulse, tremors, various cerebral disturbances to the vision, deadly disturbances of the heart and convulsions.

Poisonous Plants | Horse Health

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