Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia esula) is a yellowish-green, flowering perennial which is considered to be an invasive noxious weed in horse pastures worldwide. The plant is of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge) family, which are known for containing a milky sap within their stems and leaves. This sap contains diterpene esters, which are skin and gastrointestinal tract irritants. The sap remains toxic in fresh or dried plants.
The plants aren't very palatable to horses, but it may be eaten if there is little other food to eat or if a horse gets bored. It can also be a contaminate in hay, since it is considered to be a common pasture weed.
- Irritation And Blistering Of The Mouth And Skin Around The Mouth
- Salivation
- Colic
- Diarrhea
