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Lambert's Locoweed

Oxytropis lambertii

Lambert's Locoweed is a pretty plant with lovely purple flowers. It grows in the wild and is known for its unique look and special smell that attracts bees and butterflies.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Lambert's Locoweed has showy spikes of pea-like flowers, typically vibrant purple, pink, or sometimes white. It forms dense clumps of silvery-green, hairy leaves that grow from a central base, standing out in arid landscapes.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusOxytropis
Lambert's Locoweed
flowering trait badgenitrogen_fixing trait badgefragrant_flower trait badgecolorful trait badge
Lambert's Locoweed

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Snaps

3

Interesting facts

Eating too much of this plant can make animals wander in circles, acting totally confused!

It can grow in really tough, dry soils where most other plants would simply dry up and vanish.

Its vibrant, pea-like flowers can glow in shades from deep purple to soft pink and even pure white!

Tiny bacteria in its roots are like mini-chefs, cooking up nutrients for the plant from the air!

Special abilities

Ability

Root Resilience

Lambert's Locoweed has a deep taproot that helps it find water far underground, allowing it to survive in dry, harsh environments.

Ability

Toxin Shield

Lambert's Locoweed can produce a powerful toxin called swainsonine, which helps it defend against grazing animals that try to eat its leaves.

Ability

Nutrient Harvester

This plant can work with special bacteria in its roots to pull nitrogen from the air, making its own food in poor soils.

Measurements & details

Height
10-50 cm
Spread
15-30 cm
Flower Size
1-2 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to mid-summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
High
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Cattle

Bos taurus

Eating too much causes 'locoism'.

eaten by

Horse

Equus caballus

Highly susceptible to its toxic effects.

pollinates

Western Bumblebee

Bombus occidentalis

Visits its flowers for nectar and pollen.

symbiotic with

Rhizobia bacteria

Rhizobium leguminosarum

Fixes nitrogen in its root nodules.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

3/5 · Moderate

Do not touch or eat any wild plants without asking an adult first.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Lambert's Locoweed?

The easiest way to identify Lambert's Locoweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Lambert's Locoweed?

10-50 cm

How wide does Lambert's Locoweed spread?

15-30 cm

How big are the flowers on Lambert's Locoweed?

1-2 cm

When does Lambert's Locoweed bloom?

Late spring to mid-summer

Is Lambert's Locoweed edible?

No

Is Lambert's Locoweed toxic?

High

What is Lambert's Locoweed's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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