Purple locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii, Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 740 (1813))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Pursh

Bibliography: Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 740 (1813)

Year: 1813

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oxytropis

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. Canada to W. & C. U.S.A.

Description

Purple locoweed, scientifically known as Oxytropis lambertii, is a captivating plant that falls within the Fabaceae family, which is renowned for its diversity and ecological significance. This perennial herbaceous plant owes its name, “locoweed,” to the toxic effects it can have on grazing animals, a well-documented trait of several species within its genus.

First described by Frederick Traugott Pursh in 1813, as noted in Fl. Amer. Sept. 2: 740, the plant has since been a subject of botanical interest. It is native to a broad range extending from western Canada through the western and central regions of the United States of America. This geographical span showcases its adaptability to various climates and terrains, from prairies to mountainous regions.

Typically, purple locoweed features vibrant, clustered purple flowers that distinguish it in the wild. These flowers are not only visually striking but play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive process, attracting a variety of pollinators. The plant’s compound leaves are another distinctive feature, comprising numerous small, linear leaflets.

Ecologically, Oxytropis lambertii is significant for several reasons. It helps in nitrogen fixation, a critical process for soil health and fertility, typical of many members of the Fabaceae family. However, its toxicological impact on livestock, caused by the presence of swainsonine, a toxic alkaloid, requires careful management in areas where it grows abundantly.

In addition to its ecological and toxicological roles, purple locoweed also has potential applications in pharmacological research. The plant’s unique chemical compounds might offer insights into new therapeutic agents, though such use requires careful and comprehensive study.

In summary, Oxytropis lambertii presents a fascinating blend of beauty, ecological significance, and complexity. Its striking purple blooms, wide distribution, and dual role as both a beneficial nitrogen fixer and a potential hazard to livestock make it a plant worth observing and studying within its native habitat.

Common Names

Eng: lambert’s crazyweed, lambert’s locoweed, locoweed, purple loco, purple locoweed, stemless loco, white woollyloco, whitepoint locoweed, stemless locoweed, stemless point-vetch
Swe: prärievedel
Fra: oxytrope de lambert
En: Purple locoweed, Lambert’s crazyweed, Lambert’s locoweed, Locoweed, Purple loco, Stemless loco, White woollyloco, Whitepoint locoweed, Stemless Locoweed, Stemless Point-vetch
Fr: Oxytrope de Lambert
Sv: Prärievedel

Synonyms

• Spiesia lambertii ((Pursh) Kuntze)
• Aragallus lambertii ((Pursh) Greene)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 11, 2019 by Clover Love (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2022 by Joseph Littlehorn (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Barb T (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 22, 2019 by James James Lopez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 18, 2022 by Christiana Beaudin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2014 by EOL − paloma (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 7, 2022 by Tracy Demers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2021 by Barb T (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 7, 2000 by EOL − Gladys Lucille Smith (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 18, 2001 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 17, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 18, 2001 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-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.

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

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5360970)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:511610-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxytropis lambertii Pursh)

Specifications

Growth form>: Single Crown

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 6.4