Centaurea repens is toxic to horses. The reported severity is severe. Also known as Russian Knapweed.
This plant is known to be potentially deadly!
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.
Difficulty Swallowing Death
The color of each symptom follows the severity scale above.
Rhaponticum repens, synonyms including Acroptilon repens and Leuzea repens, with the common name Russian knapweed, is a species of bushy rhizomatous perennial belonging to the family Asteraceae.
Nigropallidal encephalomalacia, also called chewing disease, a movement disorder similar to Parkinson's disease, is caused in horses ingesting Russian knapweed for prolonged periods. A sesquiterpene lactone, repin, in the plant is likely responsible for this toxicity.
Also recorded as Hardheads, Russian Centaurea Knapweed, Russian Knotweed, Russian centaurea, Russian-knapweed and Turkestan thistle.
More from the Asteraceae family:
Countries with the most wild observations, from GBIF data.