White Sweet Clover Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 1,365 found this helpful

Only mold-contaminated plant parts are toxic; fresh, undamaged plants are generally safe for consumption

The primary toxic compound is dicumarol, a potent anticoagulant produced by Aspergillus and Penicillium molds growing on the plant

Ingestion of moldy white sweet clover causes sweet clover disease, marked by uncontrolled bleeding and potentially fatal complications

FAQ

Is White Sweet Clover toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity cases reported; accidental ingestion of large amounts of moldy plant may cause increased bleeding tendency (Low)

Is White Sweet Clover toxic to Cats?

No specific toxicity data for cats documented; ingestion of moldy plant may cause lethargy, unexplained bleeding, or blood in urine/stool (Low)

Is White Sweet Clover toxic to Dogs?

No specific toxicity data for dogs documented; ingestion of moldy plant may cause lethargy, unexplained bleeding, or blood in urine/stool (Low)

Is White Sweet Clover toxic to Horses?

Presents as sweet clover disease: weakness, pale mucous membranes, anemia, neurological signs from hypoxia, vaginal bleeding, nosebleeds, blood in stool/urine/milk, abortion, prolonged navel bleeding in foals, subcutaneous hematomas, joint swelling/stiffness, internal bleeding, rapid breathing/heart rate, possible death (High)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No confirmed human toxicity cases reported; accidental ingestion of large amounts of moldy plant may cause increased bleeding tendency

Cats

Low

No specific toxicity data for cats documented; ingestion of moldy plant may cause lethargy, unexplained bleeding, or blood in urine/stool

Dogs

Low

No specific toxicity data for dogs documented; ingestion of moldy plant may cause lethargy, unexplained bleeding, or blood in urine/stool

Horses

High

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant, only when contaminated with Aspergillus or Penicillium mold species

Exposure RouteIngestion of mold-contaminated plant material, most commonly via spoiled hay or forage

Toxic CompoundsCoumarin (0.3-0.9%); 3,4-Dihydrocoumarin (Melilotin); o-Dihydrocoumaric acid (Melilotic acid); Hydroxycoumarins; Dicumarol (3,3'-Methylen-bis-4-hydroxycoumarin)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove all access to moldy white sweet clover or suspected contaminated forage
• Collect a sample of the suspected moldy plant/feed for veterinary diagnostic testing
• Monitor the animal for signs of bleeding, lethargy, or unusual behavior while waiting for veterinary care

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any observed signs of bleeding including nosebleeds, blood in urine/stool, vaginal bleeding, or unexplained bruising/hematomas
• Confirmed or suspected ingestion of large amounts of moldy white sweet clover
• Presence of weakness, pale gums, abortion, or neurological changes in animals that accessed the plant

Prevention

• Properly cure and store hay/forage to prevent mold growth; discard all batches with visible mold immediately
• Inspect grazing areas regularly for mold-damaged white sweet clover, especially after prolonged wet weather
• Avoid feeding animals forage of unknown origin or that shows signs of spoilage or mold growth

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer Vitamin K1 as the specific antidote per veterinary prescription
• Provide whole blood transfusion from a healthy animal for cases of severe bleeding or life-threatening anemia
• Administer supportive care including restricted activity to avoid trauma, and regular monitoring of blood clotting function until recovery

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameMelilotus albus Medik.

AliasesBokhara clover、Honey clover、Tree clover、Sweet clover、White-flowered sweet clover、White melilot

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

Blood coagulation systemLiverReproductive tractBrainMusculoskeletal systemCardiovascular systemKidneys

Mechanism of Action

• Aspergillus and Penicillium molds growing on the plant convert naturally occurring coumarin glucosides in the plant tissue to dicumarol via a multi-step biological process

• Dicumarol inhibits Vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis in the liver, drastically reducing normal blood clotting ability

• Impaired clotting function leads to spontaneous internal and external bleeding, tissue hypoxia, and associated systemic complications

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Highly susceptible to sweet clover disease; common symptoms include abortion, prolonged navel bleeding in calves, spontaneous hematomas, and fatal internal bleeding

Sheep: Moderate susceptibility, may develop bleeding disorders and anemia after prolonged ingestion of moldy forage

Pigs: Low susceptibility, only develop clinical symptoms after long-term ingestion of large amounts of moldy white sweet clover

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Yellow Sweet Clover Melilotus officinalis

Closely related species with nearly identical appearance, also contains coumarin and carries the same mold-related dicumarol toxicity risk as Melilotus albus

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Related Toxic Plants

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

Moderate to High toxicity, causes severe gastrointestinal distress and neurological impairment in animals

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

Moderate toxicity, causes birth defects, liver damage, and neurological failure in grazing animals

Golden Chain Tree

Laburnum anagyroides

Severe toxicity, contains cytisine which causes life-threatening respiratory and neurological failure in all species

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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.