PlantFunTall yellow sweetclover Toxic?
Only mold-infested plant material is toxic, as mold produces the dangerous primary toxin dicumarol
Toxic exposure causes sweet clover disease marked by uncontrolled bleeding, anemia, and potential organ damage
Vitamin K1 is the specific, effective antidote for confirmed dicumarol poisoning from this plant
FAQ
Is Tall yellow sweetclover toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data is documented, but ingestion of large amounts of mold-infested material may carry bleeding risk (Low)
Is Tall yellow sweetclover toxic to Cats?
No species-specific toxicity reports exist, but ingestion of moldy material may cause lethargy, unusual bleeding, or anemia (Low)
Is Tall yellow sweetclover toxic to Dogs?
No species-specific toxicity reports exist, but ingestion of moldy material may cause lethargy, spontaneous bleeding, or anemia (Low)
Is Tall yellow sweetclover toxic to Horses?
Weakness, pale mucous membranes, anemia, spontaneous bleeding (nose, urine, feces, vagina), abortion, subcutaneous hematomas, joint swelling/lameness, neurological signs, rapid breathing, and potential fatal hemorrhage (High)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data is documented, but ingestion of large amounts of mold-infested material may carry bleeding risk
No species-specific toxicity reports exist, but ingestion of moldy material may cause lethargy, unusual bleeding, or anemia
No species-specific toxicity reports exist, but ingestion of moldy material may cause lethargy, spontaneous bleeding, or anemia
Weakness, pale mucous membranes, anemia, spontaneous bleeding (nose, urine, feces, vagina), abortion, subcutaneous hematomas, joint swelling/lameness, neurological signs, rapid breathing, and potential fatal hemorrhage
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Immediately remove all access to suspected mold-infested sweet clover forage or hay
- • Induce vomiting in small animals if recent ingestion of large amounts of moldy plant material is observed, only if advised by a vet
- • Monitor for signs of unusual bleeding, lethargy, or uncoordinated movement while awaiting veterinary care
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Any observed signs of spontaneous bleeding (nose bleeds, blood in urine/feces, unexplained bruising)
- • Suspected ingestion of large quantities of mold-infested tall yellow sweetclover
- • Presence of anemia, lethargy, lameness, abortion, or neurological changes in animals with access to sweet clover forage
Prevention
- • Inspect all hay and forage supplies for visible mold before feeding to livestock or allowing pet access
- • Harvest sweet clover for forage only in dry conditions, and cure hay fully to prevent mold growth
- • Discard any batches of sweet clover hay that show visible mold or musty odors
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer Vitamin K1 as the specific antidote per veterinary dosing instructions
- • Perform whole blood transfusion from a healthy donor animal for cases of severe, life-threatening bleeding or anemia
- • Provide supportive care including rest, oxygen therapy for hypoxic animals, and restricted activity to avoid trauma-related bleeding
Professional Toxicology
• Aspergillus or Penicillium mold colonizing the plant converts naturally occurring coumarin glycosides into the toxic compound dicumarol
• Dicumarol inhibits synthesis of vitamin K-dependent blood clotting factors, impairing normal coagulation
• Prolonged exposure leads to widespread spontaneous bleeding, tissue hypoxia, and organ damage as toxicity progresses
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.