Wild Radish (Charlock)
Raphanus raphanistrum
Horse
Moderate
Get veterinary advice the same day and remove access. Significant ingestion of seeds or heavily contaminated hay.
Equio informs, it does not diagnose. When in doubt, call your vet.
What to do now
- Antidote
- No specific antidote. Symptomatic and supportive treatment (gastric protectants, antispasmodics, fluid therapy).
- Time to signs
- A few hours to 1-2 days after ingestion.
- Prognosis
- Good. It is painful for the horse (colic), but fatal outcomes are exceptional.
- Remove contaminated forage.
- Administer gastric protectants to soothe burns from 'mustard oils' released in the stomach.
Its ID card
- Height
- 20 cm – 1 m
- Flowering
- April to September.
- Toxic parts
- Primarily seeds and roots. Young leaves are less toxic.
- Toxin
- Glucosinolates (Isothiocyanates)
- Habitat
- Cereal fields, agricultural fallows, embankments, acidic soils.
- Soil indicator
- Sandy, low-lime (acidic), often cultivated soils.
- Regions
- Entire Europe
- In hay
- Yes — stays toxic once dried
- Palatability
- Low due to its very acrid, peppery radish-like taste. Horses often sort through it, but seeds can be hidden in hay.
When the risk rises
June to September (flowering and seed production).
Spotting it in the field
Wild Mustard (flowers are always uniformly yellow). — smell : acrid and pungent smell characteristic of crucifers when crushed.
- Stem covered in short, stiff hairs.
- Leaves deeply lobed, with the terminal lobe being the largest.
- Cruciform flowers, often white or pale yellow, with distinctly purple veins.
- Siliques (pods) resembling a string of small beads.
Signs to watch for
Both acute (digestive irritation) and chronic (thyroid disruption with regular ingestion) toxicity.
Dose : Difficult to quantify precisely, depends on glucosinolate concentration and part ingested. Significant ingestion of seeds or highly contaminated hay is required for severe effects.
- Spasmodic colic and abdominal pain
- Strong and fetid diarrhea
- Foam at the lips (hypersalivation)
- Blood sometimes present in urine
- Goiter (if ingested over very long periods)
Who is affected
Other species : Toxic to all ruminants and pigs.
In pregnant mares : goitrogenic effect on the fetus if the mare consumes it regularly.
Getting rid of it
Method : Manually pull plants before flowering, wearing gloves. Avoid allowing seeds to disperse. Burning waste may be considered.
- Carefully inspect hay before distribution, especially if sourced from potentially infested areas.
- Monitor paddocks and remove the plant before it goes to seed.
- Avoid overgrazing, which can encourage weed establishment.
Frequently asked questions
Can Equio identify Wild Radish (Charlock) from a photo?
It can help organize visual clues, but plant identification must remain cautious when horse health is at stake.
Is Wild Radish (Charlock) 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.