Field locoweed (Oxytropis campestris, Astragalogia: 74 (1802))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (L.) DC.

Bibliography: Astragalogia: 74 (1802)

Year: 1802

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oxytropis

Vegetable: False

Observations: European Mts., Kuril Is. to Japan, Subarctic America to N. U.S.A.

Description

Field locoweed, scientifically known as Oxytropis campestris, is a resilient and noteworthy plant primarily found across a variety of northern and alpine regions. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is renowned for its diverse and ecologically significant collection of species.

First described in the work Astragalogia in 1802 by the botanist (L.) DC., Field locoweed has since garnered attention for its distinct characteristics and widespread distribution. This hardy plant thrives in European mountains, extending its reach from the Kuril Islands across to Japan, and stretching through subarctic America all the way to the northern United States.

Oxytropis campestris is especially adapted to cold and harsh environments, often found in meadows and elevated terrains where it contributes to the local biodiversity. The plant’s ability to endure such conditions highlights its ecological importance, providing benefits such as soil stabilization and nitrogen fixation, crucial for sustaining other flora in its habitat.

In appearance, Field locoweed exhibits unique features that make it easily identifiable. Its leaves and flowering patterns contribute not only to its aesthetic appeal but also to its role in various ecosystems. As with many members of the Fabaceae family, Oxytropis campestris plays a significant role in both natural settings and botanical studies, representing a fascinating subject for further ecological and botanical research.

In essence, Field locoweed stands out as a remarkable example of plant adaptation and ecological presence, spreading across a diverse range of geographies and contributing to the intricate tapestry of northern and alpine flora.

Common Names

Eng: field locoweed, yellow locoweed, yellow oxytropis, yellow milk-vetch, field oxytrope
Swe: fältvedel
Pol: ostrolódka polna
Fra: oxytrope des champs, oxytrope champêtre, oxytropis champêtre, oxytropis des alpes, oxytropis des champs
Cym: meingel gwelw, meingil gwelw
Gla: ogsatropas buidhe
En: Field locoweed, Yellow locoweed, Yellow oxytropis, NORTHERN YELLOW LOCOWEED, WHITE SMALLFLOWER POINTLOCO, Yellow Milk-Vetch, Field oxytrope
Bs: Dinarska oštrica
Bg: Полски окситропис
Ca: Oxítrop
Et: Mägi-lipphernes
Fi: Etelänkeulankärki, Kenttäkeulankärki
Fr: Oxytrope des champs, Oxytrope champêtre, Oxytropis champêtre, Oxytropis des Alpes, Oxytropis des champs
De: Alpen-Spitzkiel, Echter Alpen-Spitzkiel, Feld-Spitzkiel
It: Astragalo villoso
Pl: Ostrołódka polna, Ostrolódka polna
Gd: Ogsatropas Buidhe
Sv: Fältvedel
Cy: Meingel gwelw, Meingil Gwelw

Synonyms

• Astragalus campestris (L.)
• Tragacantha campestris ((L.) Kuntze)
• Phaca campestris ((L.) Wahlenb.)
• Aragallus campestris ((L.) Greene)
• Spiesia campestris ((L.) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Austria (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Italy (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Poland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Aug 14, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2005 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Françoise Alsaker (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2021 by euphrosiine M (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 21, 2019 by MICHEL DUSSERE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 10, 2021 by Pietro Brignoli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Giode Tonpino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1800 by Tela Botanica − Thierry Pernot (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5361536)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:179551-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 6.5

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 2