Pick your Poison

In my mind, weeds are those invasive plants that are introduced to an area and then try and take over. Everything else is a wildflower. But just because it has a nicer label doesn't mean it can't still be dangerous to stock and wildlife. These four plants grow in abundance on our property and are just a small sampling of the plants that could do serious harm if consumed. Lucky for us - and them - both llamas and wild animals seem to have a second sense for what not to eat and, as long as they have adequate feed available, they will stay away from those things that might hurt them.

The first plant is dock - Rumex Crispus - a very pretty flower that blooms early in the spring and then disappears. It only grows on our place in the sandiest of soils.

Death Camus - Zygadenus spp. - is a lovely flower with a deceptively delicate bloom. The most dangerous part of the plant is below ground. I have never seen a crop like this year - they have taken over most of our front pasture. The biggest danger with this plant to humans is that if you are not careful it can be mistaken for wild onion or wild garlic, both of which are just starting to bloom as well.  

Silvery lupine- Lupinus Argenteus - is a common sight in much of the west. The seeds are especially toxic.

Loco weed - Oxytropis spp. - can be a real problem for horses in particular. Llamas don't seem to care for it but I have heard stories of horses becoming addicted to it and refusing to eat anything else. It causes locoism in the animals which attacks the motor and nervous systems.