Carolina False Dandelion, also known as Carolina desert-chicory (Pyrrhopappus Carolinianus), is native to the southeastern United States. It can be found in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, typically in dry, sandy habitats such as roadsides, fields, and pastures and lawns. It’s similar in appearance to a “true” Dandelion. It’s hardy, resilient and flourishes in many areas.
Horses seem to think it’s delicious, so if it’s growing in your pasture, your horse will eat it.
Poisoning occurs when a horse grazes on the plant for an extended period of time. It affects the horse’s peripheral nervous system, causing lameness, muscle atrophy, dragging of hind legs, lack of coordination and stringhalt, a spasmodic contraction of the lateral flexors in the hind legs causing a sudden flexion of one or both hind legs. Poisoning can also affect the larynx causing a gulping sound.
The more False Dandelion your horse eats, the more the nerves will be damaged. Some horses are affected by the weeds more than others. Prevention is the best medicine. Do not allow your horse to graze on a field where this weed grows.
If you accidentally did let your horse graze on them and he begins to show symptoms of False Dandelion poisoning, you must remove him immediately from that pasture and call your equine veterinarian to treat him as soon as possible. Recovery may take a few weeks, months, or longer. Some horses never recover.
As part of your horse’s post care recovery your Vet may suggest massage therapy to help your horse rebuild correct muscle use and tone.
This plant must be removed completely before the area is safe to graze again. Check your pastures regularly and remove all toxic trees and plants. Any time a plant is even suspected of being toxic, it is best to prevent your horses from grazing that plant.
If you aren’t absolutely positive which plants may be poisonous to your horse, contact your local agricultural agent. Here in Camden, SC you can contact the Richland County Clemson Extension for help identifying potentially toxic plants.
So how can you tell if you have a True Dandelion or False?
1. Hairy Cat’s Ear – flowering stalk is branched, solid, no stem leaves. Leaves are hairy, lobed. Perennial.
2. Carolina False Dandelion – flowering stalk is branched, solid, some stem leaves. Leaves are not hairy, smooth, sharp-toothed. Annual/Biennial.
3. True Dandelion – flowering stalk is NOT BRANCHED, HOLLOW, no stem leaves. Leaves are not hairy, smooth, sharp-toothed. Perennial.
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