Which plants are currently noticeable in pastures, along edges, and in natural areas, why some are good for your horse, and why others should be strictly avoided. Our Herb Journal shows you February with locations, effects, and important warning signs.
Important in February
February often still seems quiet, but rosettes, evergreen leaves, and the first robust herbs are already appearing in many areas. Now is the perfect time to take a close look at pastures, ditches, forest edges, and barn areas, because many plants are easier to overlook before they bloom.
Good to know
Some problematic plants are relevant long before they bloom. Common ragwort, bracken, and field horsetail can strain the liver, nervous system, blood formation, or digestion and should be identified early.
Monthly overview
3 herbs suitable for horses, 3 plants with a clear warning, including locations, effects, and possible warning signs.
February at a glance
Suitable
Ribwort plantain, white clover, and chicory
Not suitable
Common ragwort, bracken, and field horsetail
Check carefully
Pasture edges, damp spots, near woods, ditches, paddocks, and poorly maintained areas, especially where young plants are easily overlooked.
Your horse must not eat these plants in February
Not suitable
Common ragwort
Common ragwort is particularly critical for horses because its components can strain the liver. The treacherous thing about it is that damage is often not immediately noticeable and can develop over a long period. Even when dried, for example in hay, the plant remains problematic.
You often find common ragwort in patchy pastures, along paths, on lean soil, and in poorly maintained areas. Possible warning signs in the horse can include lethargy, weight loss, changes in appetite, light sensitivity, or unusual behavior. If you suspect ingestion, a veterinarian should always be consulted.
Not suitable
Bracken
Bracken is not suitable for horses because repeated ingestion can strain metabolism, blood formation, and the nervous system. It is particularly risky in areas where little other forage is available or when horses graze on edge vegetation out of boredom.
Typical habitats are forest edges, lean soil, light wooded areas, and natural areas. Possible signs include weakness, unsteady movement, coordination problems, apathy, or a generally poor condition. Pastures near forests should therefore be checked regularly.
Not suitable
Field horsetail
Field horsetail is often underestimated because it looks inconspicuous. It can be problematic for horses as it can affect the vitamin balance and, when ingested in higher or repeated amounts, can strain digestion, nerves, and general well-being.
It prefers to grow on damp, compacted, or poorly drained soils, ditches, depressions, and nutrient-poor areas. Noticeable signs in the horse can include lethargy, dull coat, digestive problems, restlessness, or unsteady movement. Damp pasture areas should therefore be checked very carefully.
Did you know?
Many plants are not yet visible in their striking blooming form in February. This is exactly why leaf shape, location, and growth habit are so important. Those who identify poisonous plants early and can reliably distinguish suitable herbs protect their horse and understand their own pasture much better.
Your horse may eat these herbs in February
Suitable
Ribwort plantain
Ribwort plantain is a valuable meadow and pasture herb. It contains mucilage, tannins, and bitter compounds, which is why it is traditionally associated with the airways, mucous membranes, and digestion. Many horses eat it selectively and enjoy it.
You can find ribwort plantain in meadows, pastures, along paths, and in relatively resilient, tread-resistant areas. Its robust, natural contribution to the diet is particularly positive. It remains important not to gather it from heavily polluted roadsides or treated areas.
Suitable
White clover
White clover can be a nutrient-rich supplement for horses, as it provides protein and occurs naturally in many healthy pastures. In small to moderate amounts, it is unproblematic for many horses and is eaten gladly.
It grows especially in meadows, short-grass pastures, and nutrient-rich soils. The amount is important: if white clover dominates heavily, it can strain sensitive horses and contribute to bloating or digestive problems. Therefore, a balanced plant population is ideal.
Suitable
Chicory
Chicory is known to many for its later blue flowers. Even as a young plant, it is interesting because it contains bitter substances and can thereby support natural digestion. Horses often take it selectively if it fits the area.
Typical locations are roadsides, dry soils, lean meadows, and open areas. Chicory often indicates that the soil is rather dry and nutrient-poor. For horses, it is a useful addition to dietary variety as long as it does not come from contaminated roadsides.
Other plants in February
In addition to the six main plants, there are other species in February that horse owners should know. The decisive factor is not only whether a plant is suitable, but also where it grows, in what quantity it occurs, and whether it can trigger possible complaints.
Suitable
Dandelion
Grows in meadows, pastures, and protected areas. Is gladly eaten by many horses and can stimulate natural digestion and metabolism.
Suitable
Daisy
Often appears in short-grass areas and early in the year in mild weather. Considered unproblematic and brings natural variety to the pasture.
Suitable
Yarrow, early leaf rosette
Grows in meadows, pasture edges, and rather dry areas. An interesting supplement in small quantities, especially due to its bitter substances.
Toxic
Buttercup
Occurs frequently in damp meadows. Fresh, it can irritate mucous membranes and trigger drooling, mouth irritation, or digestive complaints upon ingestion.
Toxic
Autumn crocus, leaves
Appear early and grow frequently in damper meadows. Highly toxic; can trigger colic, diarrhea, weakness, or severe poisoning.
Toxic
Thuja
Often stands on farm edges, driveways, or in gardens. Clippings are especially dangerous and can cause digestive problems, weakness, or stronger signs of poisoning.
A little guidance for your February tour
| Plant | For horses | Typical focus point |
|---|---|---|
| Common ragwort | No | Patchy pastures, path edges, dry locations, possible liver strain |
| Bracken | No | Forest edges, lean areas, natural areas, possible weakness |
| Field horsetail | No | Damp, compacted, or nutrient-poor soils, possible digestive problems |
| Ribwort plantain | Yes | Meadows, pastures, path edges, valuable for natural dietary variety |
| White clover | Yes | Meadows, short-grass areas, pastures, suitable in moderate amounts |
| Chicory | Yes | Path edges, dry locations, open areas, digestion-stimulating bitter substances |
Our conclusion for February
February is a month for taking a close look. Many plants still appear inconspicuous but can already be important for pasture safety. Those who identify poisonous species early, check typical locations, and simultaneously classify suitable herbs correctly protect their horse and lay the foundation for a healthy, conscious pasture season.
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