Common Ivy
Hedera helix
Horse
Moderate
Get veterinary advice the same day and remove access. Rarely fatal for a horse due to the large quantity required, but highly irritating (several handfuls of leaves/berries).
Equio informs, it does not diagnose. When in doubt, call your vet.
What to do now
- Antidote
- No specific antidote. Symptomatic and supportive treatment.
- Time to signs
- A few hours to 24 hours
- Prognosis
- Generally very good. Disorders subside quickly with cessation of ingestion.
- Rinse mouth
- Provide fresh water
- Monitor for symptoms
- Contact veterinarian if signs of colic appear
Its ID card
- Height
- 1-20 m (as a vine)
- Flowering
- September to October
- Toxic parts
- Entire plant; black berries are the most toxic.
- Toxin
- Triterpene saponins (hederin).
- Habitat
- Forests, parks, walls, old buildings, trees.
- Soil indicator
- Cool, shady, forest soils.
- Regions
- Entire Europe
- In hay
- Yes — stays toxic once dried
- Palatability
- Low (bitter and leathery). Often chewed out of boredom in winter when there is nothing else green in the pasture.
When the risk rises
Winter (only green plant available) and Spring (berries).
Spotting it in the field
Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea), although it creeps along the ground, it does not resemble Common Ivy at all. — smell : slightly acrid, faint odor when leaves are crushed.
- Climbing or creeping vine
- Evergreen, leathery, dark green, glossy leaves
- Lobed leaves on young shoots, oval on flowering shoots
- Clusters of small, greenish-yellow flowers in autumn
- Black berries in spring
Signs to watch for
Acute toxicity
Dose : Several kilograms of leaves or berries for an adult horse.
- Hypersalivation and drooling
- Colic, abdominal spasms, and diarrhea
- Excitement followed by a phase of sleepiness / depression
- Intense thirst
- Breathing disorders at very high doses
Who is affected
Other species : Toxic to dogs and children (berries). Birds consume it without issue.
In pregnant mares : not specifically documented.
Getting rid of it
Method : Hand-pull the plant (wearing gloves) before berry production. Dispose of waste by burning.
- Inspect paddocks and remove ivy from fences and accessible trees.
- Avoid leaving ivy cuttings on the ground in areas frequented by horses.
- Monitor horses particularly in winter when green alternatives are scarce.
Frequently asked questions
Can Equio identify Common Ivy from a photo?
It can help organize visual clues, but plant identification must remain cautious when horse health is at stake.
Is Common Ivy dangerous in hay?
This entry flags hay vigilance. Isolate suspicious forage and ask for professional advice if exposure is possible.
This page is informational. If ingestion is likely, if signs appear, or if the horse is fragile, contact a veterinarian immediately.