While visiting with some Kenedy County ranchers last week, it was mentioned that conditions are favorable for the toxic plant Berlandier lobelia to appear in pastures and rangeland.

There is no doubt that the area has experienced aboveaverage rainfall this past fall and winter.

It is following abundant fall and winter season moisture that lobelia poisoning can become a problem in cattle.

Lobelia is a coolseason annual that can reach 20 inches in height, however, most plants are 10 to 12 inches tall.

The majority of the leaves are basal, hairless, oval and up to 2 inches long on short stems. However, leaves on the stalks are lance shaped and much smaller.

Plants can have anywhere from 1 to 20 thin, ascending branches, each bearing a loose stalk of small, bright, purplishblue flowers with white eyes.

The plants are short and inconspicuous, until the flowers appear. The plant becomes quite eyecatching with the appearance of the tiny flower.

Berlandier lobelia contains nicotine alkaloids. It is these alkaloids that make the plant toxic to cattle.

Most toxic plants are not very palatable to cattle and will be not be consumed if preferred forages are available. However, lobelia plants are palatable and readily consumed.

In addition too cattle being poisoned, there have been reports of Nelgi antelope being affected by the plant as well.

Depending on the dose, the nicotine alkaloids can be central nervous system stimulants or depressants.

Signs of poisoning can include excitability, depression, and refusal to eat and drink.

Animals can become so severely depressed that they lie down and die from water deprivation and exposure.

Infected animals can recover if they are moved to shady areas and given adequate nutrition.

Tube feeding may be required and treatment may have to be repeated daily for up to 2 weeks.

Treatment options should be discussed with your veterinarian. Prevention of poisoning requires moving cattle to pastures not containing a significant amount of the plant in the flower and seed stage.

Severe infestations of the toxic plant can be controlled with broadleaf herbicides labeled for use in pasture and rangelands. Since lobelia is a cool season annual it is generally seen only in the spring.

Approximately 3 years ago several head of cattle were lost in southern Kleberg County and Kenedy County due to Berlandier lobelia poisoning.

Cattle producers need to keep an eye out for Berlandier lobelia this spring.