Horsebrush
Tetradymia glabrata, T. canescens
- Plant type
- shrub
- Settings
- Rangeland
- Risk
- Moderate risk Our rating from the cited sources.
- Review
- Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian.
Photos
Planned.
How to tell it
Often mistaken for sagebrush. Littleleaf horsebrush has slender, sharp-pointed leaves; spineless horsebrush looks silvery from hairs on stems and leaves; yellow flowers (ARS).
Look-alikes: Planned.
What to do on a site walk
- Limit time.
- Avoid driving hungry goats through stands in early spring.
Why it matters
- Toxic principle
- Furanoeremophilanes
- Toxic parts
- Buds, leaves, fine stems
- Basis for our rating
- Chewgrass rating. ARS reports sheep losses from liver damage. Langston lists horsebrush for goats.
Signs in goats
Liver damage and swelling of the head and ears from sunlight (bighead), seeking shade, abortion (ARS, sheep data).
If you think an animal has been poisoned, call your vet right away.
Season
Most dangerous at the bud stage in early spring, when little else is green (ARS).
Sources
Links last checked: 2026-10-31