Difference between Red Clover and Alsike Clover

Doo-Hong Min, Michigan State University Extension - May 09, 2011

Although red clover and alsike clover are both legumes, it is not easy to tell them apart since both look very similar morphologically. It is important to know the difference, however, as alsike can be toxic to horses.

Feeding alsike clover in the form of either hay or pasture has been an issue due to potential toxicity for horses and it is not easy to tell the difference between red clover and alsike clover with the naked eye. In terms of soil types, alsike clover is more tolerant of poorly drained soils than red clover. Potential symptoms from alsike clover poisoning might be: photo sensitization/photodermatitis (“sunburn”), jaundice, anorexia, elevation of temperature, neurological symptoms, dark colored urine, colic, diarrhea and oral lesions. In some instances, horses can die depending on the amount of alsike clover being consumed as hay or pasture. If you notice these symptoms, it is important to contact a local veterinarian as soon as possible. Following are the morphological differences between red clover and alsike clover.

Characteristics	Red Clover	Alsike Clover
Life cycle	Biennial	Perennial
Flower color	Rose - purple	Whitish pink
Flower position	Terminal	Axillary
Plant height (full length)	12 – 15”	15 – 30”
Leaf surface	White “V” on the leaves	No white “V” on the leaves
Leaf edge	No serration	Serrated
Hair on the leaves and stems	Yes	No

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).