Privet
Ligustrum Sinense

More recently known as the Ligustrum Ovalifolium was the semi-evergreen shrub privet. This shrub is used as hedging for privacy as walls and barriers. It is suggested that the name privet means private. Privet is native to Europe, north Africa, Asia and Australasia. There are 40-50 species of privet and fruit may be grown on individual shrubs which is used for food by birds. They can also be referred to as the small-leaf privet and chinese privet.

The privet has small opposite facing leaves that look to be drooping. The flowers are white and sweetly scented with hard purple or black berries. Privets can grow 6 feet or more in height and can be trimmed to different shapes and sizes.

Poisonous to Horses

In places where this plant is not native to the land it can spread like weeds and invade wilderness areas which is a problem particularly in North America, New Zealand and the east coast of Australia. The leaves and fruit contain toxins called glycosides that cause gastrointestinal issues in horses.

Symptoms

If a horse ingests this shrub poisoning signs may include diarrhea, poor coordination, partial paralysis, abdominal pain, weak pulse, hypothermia, convulsions and death.

Poisonous Plants | Horse Health

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