Alsike Clover Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 2,158 found this helpful

Trifolium hybridum

Confirmed toxic to horses, while toxicity to cats and dogs remains undetermined per available data

Toxicity only occurs in exceptional cases, almost always linked to fungal infestation of the plant

Consumption can lead to sunburn, liver failure, and severe reproductive complications in livestock

FAQ

Is Alsike Clover toxic to Humans?

No confirmed human toxicity cases or formal data available (Unknown)

Is Alsike Clover toxic to Cats?

Toxicity unknown, no documented symptoms reported to date (Unknown)

Is Alsike Clover toxic to Dogs?

Toxicity unknown, no documented symptoms reported to date (Unknown)

Is Alsike Clover toxic to Horses?

Sunburn, skin ulcers (dew poisoning), liver failure (big liver disease) (High)

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

Toxicity Details

Humans

Unknown

No confirmed human toxicity cases or formal data available

Cats

Unknown

Toxicity unknown, no documented symptoms reported to date

Dogs

Unknown

Toxicity unknown, no documented symptoms reported to date

Horses

High

Sunburn, skin ulcers (dew poisoning), liver failure (big liver disease)

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo inherently toxic components under normal growth conditions; entire plant becomes hazardous when infested with toxic fungi

Exposure RouteIngestion of infested fresh clover, contaminated silage, or feed containing fungal-damaged alsike clover

Toxic CompoundsPhytoestrogens (Formononetin, Genistein, Biochanin); Cyanogenic glycosides (Lotaustralin, Linamarin); Photosensitizing substances

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove access to all alsike clover and potentially contaminated feed
• Move any affected animals away from direct sunlight to avoid worsening photosensitivity
• If ingestion was recent, perform appropriate gastrointestinal decontamination per standard protocol

Contact Vet Immediately

• If horses show signs of sunburn, skin ulcers, jaundice, or lethargy (indicators of liver failure)
• If any animal shows cyanide poisoning signs: bright red blood/mucous membranes, difficulty breathing, muscle twitching
• If livestock show unusual reproductive symptoms, reduced milk production, or repeated abortions

Prevention

• Inspect all clover feed for black spots (marker of fungal infestation) before feeding to animals
• Limit the quantity of alsike clover included in animal feed rations, especially during wet, fungal-friendly weather
• Avoid feeding moldy or visibly damaged clover silage to any livestock or equines

Treatment & Prognosis

• Administer symptomatic therapy and gastrointestinal decontamination per standard emergency protocols
• For confirmed cyanide poisoning: give 1% sodium nitrite (20-25mg/kg IV) followed by 25% sodium thiosulfate (0.5-1.25g/kg IV)
• Keep affected animals fully shielded from sun exposure until all symptoms fully resolve

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameTrifolium hybridum

AliasesBastard-Klee、Schweden-Klee、Trèfle hybride、Trifoglio ibrido

Toxicity Grade

HumansUnknown

CatsUnknown

DogsUnknown

HorsesHigh

Target Organs

SkinLiverReproductive tractRespiratory systemNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Fungal infestation (Rhizoctonia leguminicola, Botrytis fabae, Slafractonia) produces toxic metabolites leading to liver damage and photosensitization

• Phytoestrogens disrupt hormonal function, causing reproductive system damage in livestock

• Cyanogenic glycosides release cyanide upon ingestion, leading to systemic toxicity and organ damage

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Consumption can cause hyperestrogenism syndrome: reduced conception rate, abortions, swollen vulva, reduced milk production, and post-birth weakness. May also develop cyanide poisoning and photosensitivity

Ruminants (general): Primarily affected by hepatogenic photosensitivity after consuming fungal-infested alsike clover, leading to severe sunburn and skin damage

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Red Clover Trifolium pratense

Visually similar trifoliate structure; red clover has hairy stems and larger, deep purple flower heads, while alsike clover has smooth stems and pale pink/white flowers

White Clover Trifolium repens

Matching three-leaf structure; white clover grows low with creeping rooting stems, while alsike clover grows upright with no creeping stems

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Locoweed

Astragalus spp.

Moderate to Severe toxicity

Lupine

Lupinus spp.

Moderate to High toxicity

Black Locust

Robinia pseudoacacia

High to Severe toxicity

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. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

2. 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.

View Full Plant Wiki