Bird's-foot trefoil Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 2,250 found this helpful

Bird's-foot trefoil has no known toxic parts, confirmed safe for human and animal consumption by peer-reviewed forage plant literature

It is a high-quality forage option for livestock, with tannins that support digestive health in grazing animals

It may be visually confused with other clover species, so proper identification is recommended to avoid mixing with toxic lookalikes

FAQ

Is Bird's-foot trefoil toxic to Humans?

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Bird's-foot trefoil toxic to Cats?

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Bird's-foot trefoil toxic to Dogs?

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption (Non-toxic)

Is Bird's-foot trefoil toxic to Horses?

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption (Non-toxic)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption

Cats

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption

Dogs

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption

Horses

Non-toxic

No known adverse symptoms reported from accidental or intentional consumption

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo toxic parts identified; the entire plant is safe for consumption and handling

Exposure RouteNo harmful exposure routes confirmed; ingestion, skin contact, and pollen inhalation are all safe

Toxic CompoundsTannins

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse mouth with clean water if large quantities are consumed to clear residual plant matter
• Monitor for mild, individual-specific digestive upset for 24 hours as a precaution
• No emergency intervention is required for typical, low-volume exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your animal shows persistent unusual digestive symptoms after consuming very large quantities
• If you cannot confirm the consumed plant was Bird's-foot trefoil and suspect it may be a toxic lookalike

Prevention

• Learn to identify Bird's-foot trefoil's characteristic bird-foot shaped seed pods to distinguish it from lookalike clover species
• Inspect pastures regularly to remove any toxic related legume species if used for livestock grazing

Treatment & Prognosis

• No specific treatment is required for exposure to this non-toxic plant
• Provide supportive care (fresh water, rest) if mild temporary digestive upset occurs in sensitive individuals

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameLotus corniculatus L.

AliasesCommon bird's-foot trefoil、Birdfoot deervetch、Gewöhnlicher Hornklee (German common name)、Gemeiner Hornklee (German common name)、Wiesen-Hornklee (German common name)、Lotier commun (French common name)、Lotier corniculé (French common name)、Lotier des prés (French common name)、Ginestrino comune (Italian common name)

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are negatively affected by consumption of this plant

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanisms documented; contained tannins have beneficial properties for forage digestibility

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Non-toxic, safe and nutrient-dense forage source

Sheep: Non-toxic, well-tolerated forage option with no adverse effects

Goats: Non-toxic, suitable for inclusion in mixed forage diets

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

White clover Trifolium repens

Both are low-growing Fabaceae species with clustered small flowers; Bird's-foot trefoil has distinctive elongated seed pods arranged like a bird's foot, while clover forms rounded seed heads

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Black locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Moderately toxic

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

Moderately to highly toxic

Golden chain tree

Laburnum anagyroides

Severely toxic

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.