Author Topic: Buddlia and calves (Read 8341 times)

Possum · « **on:** June 18, 2012, 09:08:44 am »

We have been tidying up our new paddock, ready for a neighbouring farmer to bring his calves in. Have just discovered a large amount of buddlia in one of the hedges. Does anyone know if this is poisonous for calves? If I take it out there is going to be a large gap in the hedge!

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #1 on:** June 18, 2012, 05:08:23 pm »

According to the wonderful world of google
"The species most commonly referred to as butterfly bush, Buddleia davidii, is not poisonous to humans, according to the University of California Agriculture and [size=100%][/size][size=inherit]Natural[/size][size=inherit]Resources[/size][size=100%][/u][/size][/color]. The ASPCA also reports that it is not toxic to animals. Buddleia asiatica, though, is poisonous."
So assuming it is Davidii and not Asiatica you would be ok..tho not sure how you would tell.....
I did also read tho that in common with a number of plants, wilted/dying buddleia can release cyanide so if they do have access, it should only be to the living plant.
But I have to admit I havent ever fed it to cattle so you will probably want a few more views esp from anyone who has fed it and whose cattle didnt turn up their toes.

Read more: Is the Butterfly Plant Poisonous to Animals or Humans? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/facts_7613824_butterfly-plant-poisonous-animals-humans.html#ixzz1yA4r3t2N

Possum · « **Reply #2 on:** June 18, 2012, 05:24:21 pm »

Crikey! Haven't a clue whether it's Davidii or Asiatica, although maybe the latter doesn't grow in the UK. I'll do some googling myself to see if I can find out.

Fleecewife · « **Reply #3 on:** June 18, 2012, 05:40:23 pm »

Davidii is what my offspring charmingly call 'purple willies' - ie the one which grows everywhere here and is considered an invasive weed. I rather like it

Rosemary · « **Reply #4 on:** June 18, 2012, 06:25:19 pm »

Davidii grows around our fields in the hedgerows. My cattle have never looked at it. The butterflies love it though.

Possum · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2012, 09:19:46 am »

Phew! Thank goodness for that. I shall continue to cultivate purple willies

and encourage lots of butterflies.

SallyintNorth · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2012, 09:42:33 am »

Quote from: Fleecewife on June 18, 2012, 05:40:23 pm

Davidii is what my offspring charmingly call 'purple willies' - ie the one which grows everywhere here and is considered an invasive weed. I rather like it

Quote from: Rosemary on June 18, 2012, 06:25:19 pm

Davidii grows around our fields in the hedgerows. My cattle have never looked at it. The butterflies love it though.

Its common name is the Butterfly Bush for the very reason that butterflies love it. And so do I! It grows on waste ground all over the south of the country, railway banks, etc.

Thanks, Fleecewife, for changing the way I look at it forever...

Fleecewife · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2012, 11:32:14 am »

Quote from: SallyintNorth on June 21, 2012, 09:42:33 am

Quote from: Fleecewife on June 18, 2012, 05:40:23 pm
Davidii is what my offspring charmingly call 'purple willies'

Thanks, Fleecewife, for changing the way I look at it forever...

Always happy to help