Poisonous Plant Series: A discussion of different poisonous plants to goats will be discussed in the newsletter series. The information is designed as a reference, but ultimately the individual goat owner is responsible for information and feeding of poisonous plants. The FNGA and the author are not liable for information presented or used in these articles).
By Matt Bray
Water-Hemlock and Poison Hemlock ( Cicuta mackenzieana and Cicuta Doglasit )
Habitat: Marshes, stream banks, and moist meadows.
Blooming: July and August
Schofield, 1989
Comments: Many classify the Cicutas as being the most violently poisonous plants in the North American temperature zone. All parts of the plant are poisonous with the rhizomes (roots) being especially poisonous. The toxin is cicutoxin, which an orange-yellow resin. The thickened stem base can be cut length-wise to reveal large transverse chambers containing the poisonous resin. All parts of the plant contain the resin. Wild Celery looks very similar to Cicuta based on a similar flower structure and is not poisonous. Water Hemlock usually grows in the water, while Wild Celery grows in moist meadows. Roots can be easily consumed in early spring when soil is soft. If Cicuta is found within your goats browsing pastures, the best policy is to remove it!
References:
Schofield, J.J. 1989. Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska , Western Canada , the Northwest. Alaska Northwest Books, Bothell , Washington , 354 p.
Late fall goat packing in the White Mountains with 6” of snow in the high country.
