More about plants poisonous to goats

Today we backtrack a bit and then continue with information about plants poisonous to goats.

The poisonous plants fall under the following categories: alkaloid, cyanogenics, photosensitizing, saponins, tannins, glucosides, volatile oils and others in a mixed category. Those interested in determining which plants belong to these groups can Google the category name. For our purposes, I will list some of the common plants/fruits toxic to goats in our area.

Here’s a short list of poisonous plants to avoid: Avocado, Azalea, Black Locust, Boxwood, Buckwheat, Buttercups, Cherry (Wild, Choke, or otherwise), Chocolate, Clover, Cocklebur, Common Poppy, Daffodil, Fiddleneck, Gladiolus, Kale, Larkspur, Lupine.

Also: Any Nightshade variety, Holly trees or bushes, Iris, Ivy, Laurel, Lilacs, Lily of the Valley, Marijuana, Marsh Mallow, Milkweed, Mullein, Oak (limbs, leaves, acorns), Pine Trees (do not feed goats living or dead Christmas trees.), Ponderosa Pine Needles, Rape, Red Maples, Rhododendron (kills a goat very quickly, probably before the vet can be called), Sand Bur, Sevenbark, Rhubarb leaves, Tomato plants, Yew Trees.

This list of toxic plants is not exhaustive, of course, so always check before feeding a goat any plant. Know before you feed a goat is wise advice.

For answers to gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners at the WSU Grant-Adams Extension office at 754-2011, ext. 4313 or email your gardening questions to ga.mgvolunteers@wsu.edu. Visit our web page at grant-adams.wsu.edu.