Native Plants

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Thursday - July 05, 2012

From: Okeechobee, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Poisonous Plants, Trees
Title: Fast-growing, Horse-safe Pasture Tree for Okeechobee, FL
Answered by: Joe Marcus

QUESTION:

I'm looking for a fast growing tree to plant in pasture that's safe for horses.

ANSWER:

Because horses are famously adept at finding ways to hurt themselves or make themselves sick, we're always careful how we answer questions like yours. Even seemly innocuous objects can harm horses in certain situations.

In addition to protecting your horses from your trees, you should give some consideration to protecting your newly-planted trees from your horses until the trees are large enough to withstand the rubbing and chewing that will very likely occur.

First, it's important to know what you very definitely do not want in your pasture or along your fencelines. Keep no species of cherries or plums (Prunus spp.) anywhere near your pastures. In certain circumstances the foliage of these trees can be fatally toxic to horses and other livestock. Avoid most nut-bearing trees as they can cause colic and sometimes other maladies. Red maple (Acer rubrum) should be avoided due to toxicity. Though it's doubtful that Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) grows in your area, it should also be kept out of your pastures.