Which plants are already becoming visible, where you can find them, and what you should pay special attention to in January. Our Herb Journal guides you through typical discovery sites, suitable wild herbs, and plants that should not be accessible to your horse.
Important in January
Even in winter, the first herbs, leaf rosettes, and evergreen plants are already appearing. This is why it's worth taking a closer look at pasture edges, gardens, driveways, and hedges.
Good to know
Not everything green is automatically harmless. Especially garden plants like yew or boxwood can become a risk even in winter.
Monthly Overview
3 herbs suitable for horses, 3 plants with a clear warning, including discovery sites, effects, and possible signs.
January at a Glance
Suitable
Dandelion, Daisy, and Chickweed
Not suitable
Yew, Boxwood, and Meadow Saffron
Especially check
Pasture edges, gardens, cuttings, farm areas, fences, and hedges, especially where horses might get access to plant remains or garden waste.
These plants your horse must not eat in January
Not suitable
Yew
Yew is one of the most dangerous plants for horses. Its ingredients can severely affect the cardiovascular system and cause severe poisoning even with small ingestion. It is particularly treacherous because it remains green all year round and can therefore appear attractive and fresh even in January.
You often find yews as hedges in gardens, at driveways, along paths, or near property boundaries. Disposed clippings are particularly critical, as horses can access them more easily than the actual hedge. Possible warning signs can be restlessness, trembling, breathing problems, weakness, or a very sudden deterioration in general condition. In case of suspicion, a vet must be called immediately.
Not suitable
Boxwood
Boxwood appears harmless at first glance because it is often known as a decorative garden plant. However, it is not suitable for horses, as its ingredients can affect digestion, circulation, and the nervous system. The main problem is that branches or pruning residues can quickly become accessible.
Typical places to find it are front gardens, borders, farm edges, stable driveways, and adjacent house gardens. Pay particular attention to freshly cut branches or garden waste near paddocks and pastures. Possible signs can be salivation, restlessness, colic symptoms, diarrhea, weakness, or a noticeably altered behavior.
Not suitable
Autumn Crocus
The Autumn Crocus is often only associated with its later flowering, but for horse owners, the early leaves are also important. The plant is highly toxic and can severely disrupt cell metabolism. Even small amounts can be problematic, especially if leaves are overlooked in pastures or later in hay.
It prefers to grow in wetter meadows, natural areas, and locations with denser vegetation. In January and early in the year, one should primarily look out for young leaves and rosettes. Possible signs in the horse can be colic, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weakness, salivation, or a significantly worsened general condition. In case of suspicion, prompt veterinary help is crucial.
Did you know?
In January, many plants are still inconspicuous, but their effect can already be relevant. Especially with evergreen garden plants, early leaf rosettes, and robust wild herbs, a second look is worthwhile.
These herbs your horse may eat in January
Suitable
Dandelion
Dandelion is one of the most well-known wild herbs in horse pastures. It is readily eaten by many horses and can stimulate natural digestion and metabolism. Its bitter compounds make it an interesting plant in the natural forage offering.
You can find dandelion in meadows, pastures, along roadsides, and in sheltered spots, where it can become visible early in the year. Its good recognizability and high acceptance are particularly positive. It remains important that it does not come from heavily polluted roadsides, fertilized verges, or treated areas.
Suitable
Daisy
The daisy may seem small and unassuming, but it is a beautiful example of natural diversity in the pasture. It is generally considered unproblematic and is usually only consumed in small amounts by horses. This makes it a good fit for a balanced plant composition.
Typically found in short-grass meadows, pastures, farm areas, and open spots, where it can be visible early in mild weather. For horses, it is mainly interesting because it makes the pasture more diverse without being heavy or dominant.
Suitable
Chickweed
Chickweed is an early, delicate wild herb that can also be visible in cooler months. It appears fresh, juicy, and is readily consumed by many horses. Its soft growth makes it a good match for the first green plants that appear in winter and early spring in sheltered areas.
You often find chickweed in cool, sheltered, and rather moist places, for example, at pasture edges, near farms, or on loose soil. Its good acceptance and its role as an early sign of active vegetation are positive.
Other plants in January
In addition to the six main plants, there are other species in January that horse owners should be aware of. Some support natural forage diversity, while others are mainly found at garden edges, hedges, or near farms and can cause discomfort or poisoning if ingested.
Suitable
Ribwort Plantain
Ribwort plantain grows in meadows, pastures, and along roadsides. It contains mucilages, tannins, and bitter substances, among others, and is traditionally associated with respiratory tracts, mucous membranes, and digestion.
Suitable
Nettle, young shoots
Young nettle shoots can become visible early in sheltered spots. They are rich in minerals and can supplement natural forage diversity, but are often avoided fresh due to their stinging hairs.
Suitable
Yarrow, early leaf rosette
Yarrow grows in meadows, pasture edges, and rather dry locations. In small quantities, its bitter substances can be an interesting addition and support natural digestion.
Toxic
Thuja
Thuja is often found as a hedge near stables, at driveways, or in adjacent gardens. Clippings are particularly dangerous and can cause digestive problems, weakness, or more severe signs of poisoning.
Toxic
Cherry Laurel
Cherry laurel is an evergreen garden plant often growing at property boundaries. It can be dangerous for horses, especially if leaves or cuttings get within reach.
Toxic
Ragwort, rosette
Even if the yellow flower only becomes noticeable later, the rosette can already be present earlier. The plant can stress the liver and should be recognized early before it spreads further.
Small guide for your January walk
| Plant | For horses | Typical focus |
|---|---|---|
| Yew | No | Hedges, gardens, cuttings, potential cardiovascular risk |
| Boxwood | No | Front gardens, farm edges, fences, possible digestive problems |
| Autumn Crocus | No | Natural areas, wetter areas, possible colic and weakness |
| Dandelion | Yes | Meadows, pastures, roadsides, digestion-stimulating bitter substances |
| Daisy | Yes | Short-grass areas, pastures, natural plant diversity |
| Chickweed | Yes | Cool, sheltered, moister places, early juicy wild herb |
Our Conclusion for January
January is not an empty month, but the quiet start to the new herb year. Between the first suitable wild herbs and evergreen poisonous plants, it is already clear how important a trained eye is for horse owners. Knowing discovery sites, effects, and possible signs allows you to recognize earlier what can be good for your horse and what should be consistently removed or secured.
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