Found in horse hay - Ask Extension
After reading recently about hay that killed multiple horses in Wisconsin (though, it was blister bettles not a plant) I'm a little paranoid about wha...
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Found in horse hay #610873
Asked January 19, 2020, 6:34 PM EST
After reading recently about hay that killed multiple horses in Wisconsin (though, it was blister bettles not a plant) I'm a little paranoid about what I'm feeding my horses and have been taking a closer look. We just rolled out a new round bale this afternoon and I noticed quite a bit of this orangish plant. It looks like maybe it had flowered? It's not very stocky - very slender stem. What is it? And if it is safe for horses to consume? The hay came from southeast Michigan, where we live. Thanks so much!
Washtenaw County Michigan
Expert Response
Would it be possible for you to include a photo of a pod up close by a ruler so we can see the relative size? Also, are there any leaves remaining that you can make out? If so could you send a close-up photo?
You can either submit the photos through Ask an Expert here or email them to me directly at <personal data hidden>
Of hand it looks like a legume, possibly a pea or a vetch, but we'd need a closer look.
You can either submit the photos through Ask an Expert here or email them to me directly at <personal data hidden>
Of hand it looks like a legume, possibly a pea or a vetch, but we'd need a closer look.