Desert Lavender (Hyptis emoryi)

[SJsChickies]

I couldn’t find an appropriate thread topic to ask this under, so sorry if this is the wrong one. I want to plant some desert lavender around my run. I googled if it was safe for chickens (I know regular lavender is) but could only find that it’s “ok” but to be used sparingly? Does anyone know if it’s a whole lot different than regular lavender? I know my little monsters will eat it through the run and when they come out at night to get more exercise, so I want to make sure that if they decide to eat a lot of it, they won’t get sick. It’s supposed to thrive in my area so that’s why I’m looking in to it. Thanks for any insight!

 

[Mother of Chaos]

What a beautiful shrub! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condea_emoryi

The only reference I found other than Facebook entries and blogs, etc. was this from the University of Arizona Arboretum, and it doesn't get into chicken safety: https://arboretum.arizona.edu/midtown-farm-hyptis-emoryi-desert-lavender-salvia

So basically, no one has really researched this and published their findings.

Chickens are pretty good about avoiding plants that are bad for them. Perhaps you could buy one, leave it in the pot, and let them check it out. If they eat a lot of it and THEN appear a bit off, I'd put it on the No list. But if they ignore it, or eat from it and seem fine, I'd consider it safe to plant around the run.

 

[SJsChickies]

What a beautiful shrub! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Condea_emoryi

The only reference I found other than Facebook entries and blogs, etc. was this from the University of Arizona Arboretum, and it doesn't get into chicken safety: https://arboretum.arizona.edu/midtown-farm-hyptis-emoryi-desert-lavender-salvia

So basically, no one has really researched this and published their findings.

Chickens are pretty good about avoiding plants that are bad for them. Perhaps you could buy one, leave it in the pot, and let them check it out. If they eat a lot of it and THEN appear a bit off, I'd put it on the No list. But if they ignore it, or eat from it and seem fine, I'd consider it safe to plant around the run.

That’s a great idea! I’ll do that! I’m going to the nursery today and they’re only $12. Do best in intense sun, and once established, survive on rain water alone. Definitely worth trying out! Hopefully they’re good cause I’ll plant them and maybe some Tuscan Blue Upright Rosemary along the whole side of the run. Give them a little more shade and some nice smells.