elderflower/elderberry

[Natch]

Anyone know if its ok for horses to eat?
And if it has any medicinal value?

B is standing at the side of the field gazing longingly at the patch of tall white flowering weedy stuff (I think its elderflower, but I need to look it up to check before I give him any) - he can't quite reach it bless him.

Any other horse I'd pick some and offer it to them, as I'm a big believer in horses knowing what they need and whats not good for them, but these guys aren't always the most sensible when it comes to forage choice (bracken & acorns come to mind...) but I like the think maybe sometimes he might get it right!

 

[flowerlady]

Well the last horse I saw eating elderberry bushes got severe colic that night. So not sure if it was the elderberry /flower or not. But I certainly wouldn't purposely feed it to any horse. Let me know if you find out if it is poisionous as I would be very interested. Can never be too careful.

 

[zigzag]

Our horses in the riding school always used to eat it, they were fine

 

[Hedgewitch13]

It's not elderflower, they aren't out yet. It's probably cow parsley or hogweed (although it's a bit early for both of those too) and they are edible not poisonous.

 

[disco]

As Hedgwitch said, Elderflower's aren't out yet but neither is cows parsley.
Infact, there's not a lot out in flower at all! I really cant think what it can be?
Maybe pick some & ask the local farmer, they tend to know what's what in the weed world.

 

[Shilasdair]

Sounds more like cow parsley - horses love it, and it's fine for them. Elderflower isn't poisonous either. Could it be hawthorn? My father used to feed me hawthorn shoots when I was young (biologist

) and they're a bit like nutty lettuce...and also fine for horses.
Maybe you could take a pic and we'll have a better guess?
S

 

[ischa]

Elderflower is ok for horses to eat it
its good for them in several ways here are some
it helps to reduce fevers in case of colds
,fly works well with echinacea.
also works well as a anti inflammatory
,respiratory condition that have catarrh reduce and losen mucus
the one that is poisneous is elderberry .

 

[Natch]

Qr to all

Well thats me completely stumped then! I'll have to take a pic and post it this weekend!

 

[Donkeymad]

Sounds like it could be hawthorne as that is out now. It is like aspirin to them.