Berteroa incana

Berteroa incana is toxic to horses. The reported severity is critical. Also known as Hoary Alyssum.

horses

Mild Moderate Severe Critical

This plant is known to be potentially deadly!

If you're comfortable with the risk, ensure this plant is out of reach of your animal.
If you suspect your animal has ingested portions of this plant, immediately consult your veterinarian.
If your animal is experiencing any of the associated symptoms, immediately contact your veterinarian's emergency number for further instructions.

If your animal ate this plant, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661. Fees may apply.

Symptoms to watch for

Fever Laminitis Bloody Diarrhea Death Diarrhea Shock Stiffness

The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.

About

Berteroa incana is a species of flowering plant in the mustard family, Brassicaceae. Its common names include hoary alyssum, false hoary madwort, hoary berteroa, and hoary alison. It is a biennial herb native to Eurasia and it has been introduced to western Europe and North America. It is listed as an invasive noxious weed in some areas of United States and Canada

How this plant poisons

The plant is toxic to horses. Green and dry material is sometimes found in alfalfa feed. Signs of poisoning include lameness due to laminitis and leg edema, stiffness, fever, diarrhea, intravascular hemolysis, hypovolemic shock, premature birth, abortion, gut ulceration, edema of the kidneys, pulmonary edema, and calcium crystals in the urine. It can be fatal, but most horses survive with treatment. The toxic compound is not known.