Showy Locoweed
ExplorePlants
Showy Locoweed
oxytropis splendens
The Showy Locoweed (Oxytropis splendens) is a striking, perennial wildflower native to the open, gravelly grasslands and alpine regions of western North America. A member of the legume family, this resilient plant is famous for its vibrant displays of deep pink to purple flower spikes that rise above a basal clump of silvery-green foliage. It gets its 'showy' name from its brilliant color and the shimmering appearance created by thousands of fine, silky hairs that cover its leaves and stems. Despite its beauty, Showy Locoweed has a notorious reputation among ranchers because it contains a toxic alkaloid that can cause severe neurological damage, known as 'locoism,' in grazing livestock. In the wild, however, it is a vital pioneer species that thrives in nutrient-poor soils, thanks to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and extreme drought tolerance. It provides essential nectar for native pollinators while beautifully adapting to harsh, windswept landscapes.
Habitat: Found in dry, open grasslands, gravelly slopes, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges.
Appearance
Showy Locoweed is easily distinguished by its dense clusters of bright pinkish-purple to violet pea-like flowers, which bloom in compact spikes standing 10 to 40 centimeters tall. The entire plant—including the stems, calyxes, and compound pinnate leaves—is covered in a dense coat of long, silky, silver-white hairs, giving it a distinct shimmering or woolly grayish-green appearance. The leaves arise mostly from the base, divided into 7 to 17 pairs of narrow, pointed leaflets. The seed pods are also heavily woolly, pointed, and mature into a dark brown color.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusOxytropis
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its toxicity to livestock, native wildlife like elk and bighorn sheep occasionally graze on it with fewer severe side effects.
Its scientific name 'splendens' is Latin for splendid or glittering, referring to the shimmering silver sheen of its woolly hairs.
The term 'locoweed' comes from the Spanish word 'loco' (crazy), describing the erratic behavior and loss of coordination seen in livestock that eat it.
Special abilities
Ability
Silky Insulation
A dense covering of fine silver hairs reflects excessive sunlight, reduces wind evaporation, and traps moisture close to the plant.
Ability
Nitrogen Fixation
Partners with subterranean rhizobia bacteria to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable soil nutrients, allowing it to colonize barren soils.
Ability
Fungal Toxicity Shield
Hosts an endophytic fungus that produces swainsonine, a potent chemical deterrent that protects the plant from being overgrazed by herbivores.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 10-40 cm
- Weight
- 0.05-0.2 kg
- Lifespan
- 5-15 years
Diet & Feeding
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential minerals absorbed from the soil.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
mutualism
Locoweed Endophyte
Alternaria oxytropis
The systemic fungus Alternaria oxytropis lives inside the plant tissues, producing the toxic alkaloid swainsonine that deters herbivores.
mutualism
Two-form Bumble Bee
Bombus bifarius
Bumble bees are the primary pollinators, visiting the bright purple flowers to harvest nectar and pollen.
eaten by
Domestic Cattle
Bos taurus
Cattle may consume the plant during early spring when other forage is scarce, leading to chronic neurological poisoning.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Showy Locoweed?
The easiest way to identify Showy Locoweed is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Showy Locoweed?
10-40 cm
How much does Showy Locoweed weigh?
0.05-0.2 kg
How long does Showy Locoweed live?
5-15 years
What does Showy Locoweed eat?
As a photosynthetic plant, it generates its own energy from sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and essential minerals absorbed from the soil.
Where is Showy Locoweed usually found?
Found in dry, open grasslands, gravelly slopes, alpine meadows, and rocky ridges.
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