Alfalfa is an excellent forage crop when harvested and stored properly. However, the plant can cause "hepatogenous photosensitivity syndrome" if water-damaged (Monlux AW . J Am Vet Med Assoc, Vol. 142, 9, p. 989-994, 1963).

Toxic Principle:

The toxic principle of this plant is uncertain. It is possibly the quinolizidine alkaloid, cytisine, which acts like nicotine

Poisoning Symptoms include:

Hepatogenous photosensitivity syndrome, a clinical condition in which skin (areas exposed to light and lacking significant protective hair or pigmentation) are hyperreactive to sunlight due to the presence of photodynamic agents. Molecules of photosensitizing agents present in the skin are energized by light. When the molecules return to the less energized state, the released energy is transferred to receptor molecules that quickly initiate chemical reactions in various skin components. Tissue injury is thought to result from the production of reactive oxygen intermediates or from alterations in cell membrane permeability. Photosensitization can be difficult to differentiate clinically from actual sunburn.

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Aloe Vera a member of the spieces(Liliaceae) is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant growing to 60–100 cm (24–39 in) tall, spreading by offsets. The stems, thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces. The margin of the stem is serrated and has small white teeth. The flowers are produced in summer on a spike up to 90 cm (35 in) tall, each flower pendulous, with a yellow tubular corolla 2–3 cm (0.8–1.2 in) long. Like other Aloe species, A. vera forms arbuscular mycorrhiza, a symbiosis that allows the plant better access to mineral nutrients in soil.

Toxic Principle:

The toxic principle of this plant is Sapogenins

Poisoning Symptoms include:

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, change in urine color.

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Amaryllis a member of the (Amaryllidaceae) family are also know by several other common names including: Belladonna lily, Saint Joseph lily, Cape Belladonna, Naked Lady. Amaryllis are bulbous planst, with each bulb being 5-10 cm in diameter.They have several strap-shaped, green leaves, 30-50 cm long and 2-3 cm broad, arranged in two rows. The leaves are produced in the autumn or early spring in cold climates and eventually die down by late spring. The bulb is then dormant until late summer.
In late summer (August in zone 7) each bulb produces one or two naked stems 30-60 cm tall, each of which bear a cluster of 2 to 12 funnel-shaped flowers at their tops. Each flower is 6-10 cm diameter with six sepals (three outer sepals, three inner petals, with similar appearance to each other). The usual color is white with crimson veins, but pink or purple also occur naturally. This pattern of flowering at a different time from when foliage appears is the cause of its common name "naked lady".

Toxic Principle:

The toxic principle of this plant is Lycorine and others

Poisoning Symptoms include:

Vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia, tremors.

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Arrowgrass is found in all the western states. As long as arrow grass has adequate moisture, it does not cause poisoning. When growth is stunted from lack of moisture or an early frost, plants become toxic. Poisonous arrow grass grows best in soil covered with water. In such soil it may spread over large areas. In moist soil or near springs, it some times grows in small patches. Arrow grass starts growth in early spring.

How much arrow grass does it take to poison? This depends on the toxicity of the plants and the rate at which the plants are eaten. About 1/50 of an ounce of hydrocyanic acid of stunted arrow grass will kill a 600 pound animal. The toxic dose must be eaten at one time to cause death, because the poison is not cumulative. Death results from respiratory failure .

The best way to reduce losses is to keep animals off areas where growth of arrow grass has been retarded by dry weather or frost.

Toxic Principle:

The toxic principle of this plant is hydrocyanic or
prussic acid.

Poisoning Symptoms include:

The action of hydrocyanic acid is so rapid that it is usually too late to treat an affected animal after the signs are recognized. The signs are nervousness, abnormal breathing--either very rapid or slow and deep, trembling or jacking muscles, blue coloration of the lining of the mouth, and spasms or convulsions continuing at short intervals until respiratory failure causes death.

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Asperagus Fern a member of the (Liliaceae) Family is commonly known as Asparagus, Emerald Feather, Emerald Fern, Sprengeri Fern, Plumosa Fern, Lace Fern, Racemose Asparagus, Shatavari.

Toxic Principle:

The toxic principle of this plant is Sapogenin

Poisoning Symptoms include:

Allergic dermatitis with repeated dermal exposure. Berry ingestion could result in gastric upset (vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.)

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Autumn Crocus or Meadow Saffron as it is sometimes reffered to also a member of the (Liliaceae) Family.

Toxic Principle:

The toxic principle of this plant is Colchicine and other alkaloids

Poisoning Symptoms include:

Oral irritation, bloody vomiting, diarrhea, shock, multi-organ damage, bone marrow suppression.

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A member of the (Ericaceae) Family also commonly known as Rosebay, Rhododendron. Azalea's have around 250 different species and their geographical distribution varies with each species. Some like the Rhododendron occidentalis are native to California while others like the Rhododendron catawbiense are native to the Allegheny Mountains of Georgia to Virginia.

Toxic Principle:

The toxic principle of this plant is Grayantoxin

Poisoning Symptoms include:

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, weakness, coma, hypotension, Central Nervous System depression, cardiovascular collapse and death. Ingestion of a few leaves can cause serious problems. Rhododendron is typically not very palatable to horses unless it is the only forage available, but sheep and goats may graze readily on the plant. The toxic principle interferes with normal skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and nerve function. Clinical effects typically occur within a few hours after ingestion, and can include acute digestive upset, excessive drooling, loss of appetite, frequent bowel movements/diarrhea, colic, depression, weakness, loss of coordination, stupor, leg paralysis, weak heart rate and recumbency for 2 or more days; at this point, improvement may be seen or the animal may become comatose and die.

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Ambrosia Mexicana (Chenopodium botrys/Ambrosia menicana)
Also known as Jerusalem Oak and Feather Geranium

Toxic Principle: Sesquiterpene lactones
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American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Also known asEnglish Holly, European Holly, Oregon Holly , Inkberry or Winterberry

Toxic Principle: Saponins
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American Mandrake (Podophyllum peltatum)
Also known as Mayapple, Indian Apple Root, Umbrella Feaf, Wild ZLemon, Hog Apple, Duck's Foot and Raccoonberry

Toxic Principle: podopyllin
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Androneda Japonica (Pieris japonica)
Also known as Pieris or Lily-of-the-Valley Bush

Toxic Principle: Grayanotoxins
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Angelica Tree (Aralia spinosa)
Also known as Hercules' Club, Devil's Walking Stick, Prickly Ash or Prickly Elder

Toxic Principle: Unknown
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Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Also known as Nephthytis, Green Gold Napthysis, African Evergreen, Trileaf Wonder

All Parts of this plant are Poisonous

Toxic Principle: Insoluble calcium oxalates
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Arum (arum maculatum)
Also known as Adam and Eve, Lord-and-Ladies, Wake Robin, Starch Root,Bobbins and the Cuckoo Plant

Toxic Principle: Insoluble calcium oxalates
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Arum Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
Also known as Calla Lily, Pig Lily, White Arum, Trumpet Lily, Florist's Calla and Garden Calla

Toxic Principle: Insoluble calcium oxalates
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