Is Elderberry poisonous?

[ElvisandTilly]

Just checking field edges in a new field I’m using and there is an elder tree they can reach. On the internet searches it says poisonous to horses? I am knocking on abit now and in all my years never heard elderberry tree is poisonous. Thought I’d ask here!

 

[Prancerpoos]

I believe it is poisonous, but only if they eat it! I am not sure my horses have ever been in fields that don’t have elderflower bushes somewhere in the fence line, but I have never known them eat it or heard of anyone having problems with it. I honestly don’t think you need worry as I suspect it tastes nasty and the horses are not going to want to eat it.

 

[cauda equina]

I've never known a horse to eat it but have heard of horses standing in amongst elder bushes, presumably for its fly repellant properties

 

[ElvisandTilly]

Thank you! I am sure I’ve been in fields before that had elder in but never know any problems. Just did a search on internet and quite shocked to see it was poisonous! I have a yearling in the field so hopefully he doesn’t ‘try’ it!

 

[MiJodsR2BlinkinTite]

The leaves stink something awful so I doubt any horse would eat it. I have some in my hedge and they've never touched it.

Remember when I was a kid we'd boil up Elder leaves and use the potion as a fly deterrent. You don't see anyone recommending that anywhere these days but we used to.

 

[Keith_Beef]

I've read that all parts of the plant (leaves, stems, bark, roots) are poisonous except for the flowers and berries.

But I've never been harmed by brushing against the leaves and bark when picking the flowers and berries.

 

[Fieldlife]

I’ve been at yards with elder in fence line. No issues, don’t eat it. Even when strip other plants.

 

[Abacus]

We have loads and I’ve never seen them eat it. When we had goats they loved it but maybe not poisonous to them.

 

[Goldenstar]

We have lots of it in the hedges which the horses browse they never eat it .

 

[Snowfilly]

They often stand under it as it keeps flies at bay - you can cut a sprig and tie it to the browband for a fly repellent! But never heard of anything eating it.

 

[SpotsandBays]

We have a few and as above, haven’t ever seen the horses picking at it! (And they pick at all of the other hedge stuff)

 

[rabatsa]

While it might be classed as poisonous they have to eat a heck of a lot of it for it to have any effect.

My goats ate loads of the stuff and the only effect it had was it reduced the milk yield. Took the elder away and the milk came back up.

 

[Spotherisk]

I use the berries in gin ? elderberry gin, but you can’t leave them in for Too long as they have cyanide in them.

 

[Keith_Beef]

I use the berries in gin ? elderberry gin, but you can’t leave them in for Too long as they have cyanide in them.

So do almonds.

 

[ElvisandTilly]

Well certainly an eye opener for me! My mum used to make elderberry wine so it’s never crossed my mind that it was poisonous! Hopefully help repel flies and shelter when it rains then!

 

[Christmascinnamoncookie]

If you eat the berries raw, it can cause major tummy upsets. There was a large amount at a point on the walk in the woods, we called it Sure for Men corner, it reeked!

 

[SantaVera]

They don't eat it,I have several in my hedgerows.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Our sheep have been known to nibble on the leaves. They have lived to be 13, so I dont think the effects can be too serious

 

[Highmileagecob]

For heaven's sake never burn it indoors on an open fire! It gives off cyanide apparently, which is how the tree got it's reputation as a property protector, and bad luck if you cut one down!