Mountain Oxytrope
ExplorePlants
Mountain Oxytrope
Oxytropis oreophila
The Mountain Oxytrope is a beautiful plant that grows in high mountain areas. It has lovely purple flowers that bloom in spring and attract many tiny insects.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Mountain Oxytrope is a low-growing plant forming dense cushions of silvery-green, hairy leaves. Its vibrant purplish-pink or lavender flowers, shaped like tiny peas, bloom in clusters, standing out against rocky alpine slopes.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusOxytropis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Even though it's small, a patch of Mountain Oxytrope helps prevent soil from washing away on slopes!
Its seeds have tough coats, allowing them to survive long winters before sprouting in spring.
Some tiny alpine beetles use its flowers as a cozy shelter from cold mountain winds.
This tough plant can live for many years, patiently waiting for summer in chilly mountain tops!
Special abilities
Ability
Cold-Proof Protector
Mountain Oxytrope has fuzzy leaves and a low growth habit that helps it survive harsh winds and freezing temperatures in high mountains.
Ability
Soil Supercharger
Mountain Oxytrope has special root nodules that help it pull nitrogen from the air, enriching poor mountain soil for other plants.
Ability
Rock Anchor
Mountain Oxytrope has strong, deep taproots that help it stay firmly anchored on steep, rocky slopes and find water far below.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 5-20 cm
- Spread
- 10-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1-2 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer (June-August)
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Western Bumblebee
Bombus occidentalis
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
eaten by
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Hoary Marmot
Marmota caligata
Graze on its leaves and flowers in alpine areas.
eaten by
Mountain Goat
Oreamnos americanus
Browses on alpine plants including this oxytrope.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Nitrogen Fixing
Describes organisms capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into compounds usable by plants.
Spring Blooming
Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch wild plants, as some can be delicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Mountain Oxytrope?
5-20 cm
How wide does Mountain Oxytrope spread?
10-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Mountain Oxytrope?
1-2 cm
When does Mountain Oxytrope bloom?
Summer (June-August)
Is Mountain Oxytrope edible?
No
Is Mountain Oxytrope toxic?
None
What is Mountain Oxytrope's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Mountain Oxytrope pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
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