Family:
Plantaginacea
Toxic Parts:
all
Toxins:
selenium
Flower Color:
  • flower color
  • flower color
  • flower color
  • flower color
Found:
mountains, ornamental, gardens

Geographical Distribution

Bearded tongue distribution - United States

Bearded Tongue

Penstemon spp

Penstemon
4/ 10
Bearded tongues (Penstemon spp.) consist of over 250 different herbaceous perennials which feature lance shaped foliage and spikes of bright-colored, tubular flowers. Most penstemons are deciduous or semi-evergreen perennials, the remainder being shrubs or subshrubs. They are native mainly to the Nearctic.

Bearded tongues are known for their ability to accumulate excessive levels of selenium, if they grow in selenium-rich soils. Too much selenium is toxic to horses, causing either acute or chronic poisoning.

Symptoms

  • Lameness
  • Circular Ridges In Hoof Wall
  • Cracking Of Hoof
  • Laminitis
  • Sloughing Of The Hoof Wall
  • Hair Loss In Long Hairs Of The Mane And Tail

References