Common Laburnum
Laburnum anagyroides
Horse
Critical
Any suspected ingestion is an immediate veterinary emergency. 250 grams of seeds or flowers can be lethal.
Equio informs, it does not diagnose. When in doubt, call your vet.
What to do now
- Antidote
- No specific antidote. Intensive symptomatic and supportive treatment (fluid therapy, antiemetics, respiratory support).
- Time to signs
- 30 minutes to a few hours
- Prognosis
- Grave in case of seed ingestion. Death is rapid.
- Veterinary emergency
- Gastric lavage
- Activated charcoal
- Respiratory support
Its ID card
- Height
- 3 m – 10 m
- Flowering
- May to June
- Toxic parts
- The entire plant, with the pods/seeds being the most concentrated in toxins.
- Toxin
- Quinolizidine alkaloids (Cytisine)
- Habitat
- Gardens, public parks, ornamental groves.
- Soil indicator
- Tolerates all soil types, prefers calcareous soils.
- Regions
- Central and Southern Europe, Planted throughout Europe
- In hay
- Yes — stays toxic once dried
- Palatability
- Low, but fallen pods can be accidentally ingested with grass.
When the risk rises
May-June (flowers) and August-October (seeds).
Spotting it in the field
Wisteria (which is a climber), Cassia. — smell : odorless or a slight herbaceous smell.
- Small tree
- Trifoliate leaves (like a giant clover)
- Long, drooping clusters of bright yellow flowers in spring
- Pods resembling hairy green beans, turning brown
Signs to watch for
Acute toxicity.
Dose : Approximately 150-300g of seeds for an adult horse.
- Profuse sweating
- Nervous disorders (incoordination, excitement then prostration)
- Colic and vomiting efforts (horses cannot vomit)
- Convulsions
- Asphyxiation by respiratory paralysis
Who is affected
Other species : Lethal to humans (especially children playing with the 'beans'), dogs, cattle. Ironically, rabbits and deer are insensitive.
In pregnant mares : lethal to the fetus.
Getting rid of it
Method : Uproot the entire plant, including the roots, preferably before seed production. Wear gloves when handling the plant. Burn plant waste to prevent seed dispersal.
- Remove the plant from grazing areas and around stables.
- Closely monitor horses when they are in pasture, especially in autumn when seeds fall.
- Educate children about the dangers of the plant and its seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Can Equio identify Common Laburnum from a photo?
It can help organize visual clues, but plant identification must remain cautious when horse health is at stake.
Is Common Laburnum 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.