Judas Tree
Cercis siliquastrum
Horse
Low
Remove access and monitor the horse; call at the first sign. Massive consumption of pods in autumn or winter.
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
- Excellent.
- Remove access to the pods.
- Provide free-choice hay.
- Monitor for signs of colic.
- Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Its ID card
- Height
- 5 m – 12 m
- Flowering
- March to May.
- Toxic parts
- Mainly the seeds contained within the flat pods.
- Toxin
- Tannins and saponins (legume family)
- Habitat
- Parks, dry gardens, scrublands, calcareous hills.
- Soil indicator
- Very dry, poor, stony, calcareous soils.
- Regions
- Southern Europe, Mediterranean Basin, Gardens
- In hay
- Not reported
- Palatability
- Medium. Like many legumes, the pods can attract horses, especially in winter.
When the risk rises
Autumn and Winter.
Spotting it in the field
Carob tree (pods are thicker and fleshier, edible). — smell : odorless.
- Gnarled tree.
- Spectacular bright purplish-pink (even fuchsia) flowering in early spring, appearing directly on bare wood before the leaves.
- Very round leaves (heart-shaped at the base).
- Large, flat brown pods (like dried beans) that remain attached throughout the winter.
Signs to watch for
Acute toxicity.
Dose : Not determined, but significant consumption of pods is required to cause significant issues.
- Mild gas colic
- Soft stools to moderate diarrhea
- Transient decrease in appetite
- Mild apathy
Who is affected
Other species : Can cause similar digestive upset in ruminants.
In pregnant mares : none.
Getting rid of it
Method : Uproot the entire tree if possible, or prune low branches and remove pods before they fall. Burn plant waste.
- Avoid planting Judas Trees in pastures or in immediate proximity to horse living areas.
- Remove fallen pods from areas accessible to horses, especially in autumn and winter.
- Closely monitor horses that have access to areas where this tree is present.
Frequently asked questions
Can Equio identify Judas Tree from a photo?
It can help organize visual clues, but plant identification must remain cautious when horse health is at stake.
Is Judas Tree dangerous in hay?
Hay risk is not always reported for this entry, but suspicious forage should still be isolated until checked.
This page is informational. If ingestion is likely, if signs appear, or if the horse is fragile, contact a veterinarian immediately.