What is this plant?

[CrimsonDivine]

This plant has been in our field for a couple of years now and our horses seem to be eating it but we don't know what it is and haven't seen it before? Could someone tell me what it is and I assume it's ok for them to eat since they don't generally eat things they can't/shouldn't unless really hungry which I don't think they are?? cheers.

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[Reacher]

I don’t recognise it however according to the Picture this app it is a Atriplex prostrata or spear leaves orache.

I found out about this app from someone on here - sorry I’ve forgotten who to acknowledge them. It’s really useful

 

[CrimsonDivine]

Yes that does indeed look like it! Thank you. Seems edible so I pressume it's harmless, good to know What app did you use? I have an app that can identify plants but not 100% accurate, gives you multiple choice lol. To be honest the other owner presumed it had come out of their feed as it seems to be growing mostly where they've pooped lol.

 

[Reacher]

The app is called "picture this".

https://www.picturethisai.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Oef_rqQ6wIVAWHmCh1v-ADREAAYASAAEgJbD_D_BwE

I don't know about the plant - I'd google it to see if it's toxic or not as horses aren't that bright about what they will eat!

 

[DabDab]

Yep, it's fine for the horses to eat. It's a pita as a weed though - I have loads of it, it's as bad as the docks. My horses do sometimes eat it, but not in any great quantity.

 

[CrimsonDivine]

horses aren't that bright about what they will eat!

I strongly disagree with this but thanks for informing me of what it is.

 

[brighteyes]

It's a form of dock and a damned nuisance.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

I strongly disagree with this but thanks for informing me of what it is.

Ummmm - they find ragwort tasty ?

 

[dogatemysalad]

Ummmm - they find ragwort tasty ?

Not true. A starving horse will eat ragwort out of desperation when there is no grass, but given a choice, they avoid eating the bitter tasting plant. The problem is that it loses it bitterness when dried and mixed with hay by irresponsible landowners.

 

[Keith_Beef]

I find web sites viewed on a big screen much easier to use than phone apps. Plantnet exists in both varieties.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

Not true. A starving horse will eat ragwort out of desperation when there is no grass, but given a choice, they avoid eating the bitter tasting plant. The problem is that it loses it bitterness when dried and mixed with hay by irresponsible landowners.

Exactly - they like it when it dries out ?‍
I knew they wouldn't eat whilst in flower unless desperate.

Next time I'll make sure to qualify my reply a bit better ?

 

[CrimsonDivine]

I really hope you are joking Tihama and I hope you keep ontop of your ragwort as it's not good to allow them to eat it regardless of whether they even think it's "tasty". As dog said, only desperate starving horses will eat it, even dry infact. it is not by choice and whether they think it's tasty at all, it's just less bitter when dry. Sorry for late response didn't feel a need to read this thread after I got my answer. Personally find this whole ragwort discussion quite laughable. But then I guess not everyon'e knows everything about them. Infact I read somewhere that what is said about ragwort is a myth and horses would have to eat a huge ammount before being affected. However.. as a saying goes; prevention is the best cure, don't leave it to fate to decide.