Pet Care

Goatweed


Scientific Name:: Hypericum perforatum

Family:: Clusiaceae
Where Found:: More than 25 different species known to exist in North America; found on roadsides, in overgrazed or eroded pastures, abondoned fields, open woods or sandy/infertile soils.
Toxicity:: Toxic to Horses
Toxic Principles:: Hypericin
Clinical Signs:: The adult plant is not very palatable, but can be ingested if suitable forage is unavailable; the young plant is attractive and may be grazed in abundance. The toxic component is light-active, and causes a chemically induced sunburn, usually within 24 hours after ingestion on light, unpigmented areas of skin. Dermatitis, itching and ulceration of the skin leading to skin damage are possible effects.

If your pet ingested this plant, contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.*

* A $65 consultation fee may apply.