Alsike clover
General poisoning notes:
Alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) is found most frequently in the farming areas of northern Canada. This plant is adapted to cool climates and heavy, poorly drained clay soils. Cases of photosensitization have occurred, sometimes accompanied by liver damage and enlargement. This problem has occurred mostly in horses and occasionally in cattle. There is also a potential for nitrate poisoning (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Cheeke and Schull 1985).
Nomenclature:
Scientific Name: Trifolium hybridum L.
Vernacular name(s): alsike clover
Scientific family name: Leguminosae
Vernacular family name: pea
Trifolium hybridum
Geographic Information
Alberta, British Columbia, Labrador, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory
Notes on Poisonous plant parts:
Ingesting alsike clover causes photosensitization in horses and cattle. The toxic compounds have not been indentified. Nitrates may also accumulate in the plant (Cooper and Johnson 1984).
Toxic parts:
All parts leaves
Toxic plant chemicals:
Nitrate
Animals/Human Poisoning:
Note: When an animal is listed without additional information, the literature (as of 1993) contained no detailed explanation.
Cattle
General symptoms of poisoning:
Breathing, labored, cyanosis, gait, staggering.
Horses
General symptoms of poisoning:
Blindness, depression, gait, staggering, liver, cirrhosis of, nephrosis, severe.
