Hi Tina,
Although Jimsonweed (Datura spp) is sometimes
erroneously called loco weed, the only species I know of that will eat it
when other food is available is human. Small children seem to be
attracted to the flowers and of course the name Jimson weed is a corruption
of Jamestown weed where the early settlers discovered its hallucinogenic
properties when they added it to a salad. You can see pictures of
Jimsonweed at http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/text/jimson.htm
The plant more commonly recognized by the common name of
loco weed is Astragalus mollissimus. You can see pictures of it at http://texnat.tamu.edu/cmplants/toxic/text/loco.htm
It is a very attractive plant and livestock will graze on it even when other
feed is available. If good quality forage is available, they will
rarely start grazing locoweed but it appears to be addictive. Once
livestock have started eating it, they will seek it out even if good quality
forage is available.
Neither of these is at all desirable in a pasture but the
presence of Astragalus would be a bigger concern to me than
Datura.
This kind of confusion is why, whenever possible, it is
good to learn the scientific names rather than just the common names of
plants.
"Don't wish it was easier; wish you were
better.
Don't wish for less problems, wish for more skills.
Don't wish
for less challenge; wish for more wisdom."
Jim
Rohn