Re: Locoweed is Jimsonweed

["guest@endurance.net" <guest@endurance.net>]

Donna Dochterman dokadaarabians@earthlink.net
Hi Tina,
 
Although Jimsonweed (Datura spp) is sometimes erroneously called loco weed, the only species I know of that will eat it when other food is available is human.  Small children seem to be attracted to the flowers and of course the name Jimson weed is a corruption of Jamestown weed where the early settlers discovered its hallucinogenic properties when they added it to a salad.  You can see pictures of Jimsonweed at http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/text/jimson.htm
 
The plant more commonly recognized by the common name of loco weed is Astragalus mollissimus.  You can see pictures of it at http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/text/loco.htm  It is a very attractive plant and livestock will graze on it even when other feed is available.  If good quality forage is available, they will rarely start grazing locoweed but it appears to be addictive.  Once livestock have started eating it, they will seek it out even if good quality forage is available.
 
Neither of these is at all desirable in a pasture but the presence of Astragalus would be a bigger concern to me than Datura.
 
This kind of confusion is why, whenever possible, it is good to learn the scientific names rather than just the common names of plants.
 
Donna Dochterman
Dokada Arabians
http://members.tripod.com/~DokadaArabians/index.html
 
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Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills.
Don't wish for less challenge; wish for more wisdom." 
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