common buttonbushShrub or rarely a small tree, 1 to 3 m tall. Leaves opposite or whorled, deciduous, ovate to elliptic, 6 to 15 cm long, 3 to 10 cm wide. Flowers white; borne in terminal or axillary, showy, dense, nearly spherical heads, 2 to 3.5 cm in diameter. Found throughout the south; low areas, margins of lakes, rivers, creeks, swamps, marshes and poorly drained pastures.
TOXICITY
The bitter glycosides cephalin and cephalanthin are found primarily in the leaves of this plant. Other parts of the plant are less toxic. Cattle are primarily affected usually in the summer and fall months when other forage is scarce.
SYMPTOMS
Vomiting, muscular weakness, occasionally convulsions and death result.
TREATMENT
Laxatives administered by stomach tube are suggested.
mustardAnnual, biennial or perennial herbs with a pungent odor when crushed. Leaves alternate, simple to highly dissected, often basal with only a few on the upper stem. Flowers borne in a raceme or solitary on a leafless or nearly leafless stem, mostly bright yellow. Fruit dry, dehiscent, 1.5 to 7 cm long, much longer than wide. Seeds numerous, black or brown, globular, 1.5 to 3 mm in diameter. Found throughout the south in fields, pastures, roadsides, lawns, waste places and some in cultivated ground.
TOXICITY
Members of the mustard family contain isothiocyanates, commonly called mustard oils. Certain members, such as the rutabaga, have produced goiter in livestock experimentally due to its high goitrogenic substance concentration. Animals are most often poisoned from spring to fall but can show symptoms of toxicity throughout the year if hay is contaminated with a large amount of mustard. All parts of the plant are toxic but especially the seeds. Swine, cattle, and horses are susceptible.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms are primarily those of a severe gastroenteritis due to irritation of the mucous membranes. Abdominal pain, salivation and diarrhea are commonly seen.
Rape, a winter annual, often causes a series of problems including pulmonary emphysema, diarrhea, blindness and hemoglobinuria. Photosensitization has been seen in swine and light-skinned animals. Abortions have been recorded in sows.
TREATMENT
There is no effective treatment. Prevention is aimed at including hay free of mustards in the diet or if rape forage is being utilized, allowing access to other types of pastures.
