We have seen an increase in Poisonous
Plant problems this year, be aware!

Submitted by: Robbie Baird-LeValley
Colorado State University Extension Livestock Agent
Tri River Area

I am posting this to remind everyone that this can happen anywhere in the West where precipitation has been higher than normal.

While low larkspur was the problem in this case several other poisonous plants including: Halogeton (/Halogeton glomeratus/), death camas (/Zigadenus /spp/./), various lupines (/Lupinus /spp/./), locoweeds (/Astragalus/ spp., /Oxytropis lambertii, and sericea/) buttercups (/Ranunculus/ spp.) and even mustards (/Brassica/ spp.) are toxic if too much is consumed by livestock.

To reduce the chance of poisoning learn to identify the most common poisonous plant on your rangelands, check areas where livestock are going to be entering for abnormally large populations of poisonous plants, avoid areas of heavy poison plant populations, make sure the animals are full before moving them into an area producing poisonous plants, be sure adequate amounts of desirable forage plants are available for the livestock to eat., and watch the livestock closely for a couple of days after they enter a new area to catch early signs of poisoning.

Our Extension Office works with our Weed Manager to help you identify plants that you suspect are poisonous. A little preventive action can help you avoid a potentially disastrous outcome due to these poison plants.

The San Miguel Basin Weed Manager also is selling the "Weeds of the West" book which helps the lay person identify weeds.

Contact the CSU Extension Office in Norwood at 327-4393 or email the webmaster.