locoweed

[cberto@juno.com]

Randi, according to my little field guide to toxic plants, locoweed
(astragalus) is a member of the pea (fabaceae) family.  It says most
Astragalus species are poisonous and have caused much animal death in the
western US.  The poison is the alkaloid Swainsonine and which eventually
causes degeneration of brain (and other) cell functions.  Some species of
A. accumulate selenium!  Horses seem to like locoweeds.  Even the dried
plants can be toxic.  The book recommends keeping horses OUT of locoweed
areas and selective use of herbicides (:-(...Connie B.

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