Woolly Locoweed
ExplorePlants
Woolly Locoweed
Astragalus mollissimus
Woolly Locoweed is a soft, fuzzy plant that grows in the wild. It has beautiful purple flowers and is often found in grassy areas. This plant is special because it can survive in tough places where other plants might not grow.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Woolly Locoweed has distinct silvery-green, fuzzy leaves that form a low-growing clump. Its vibrant purple or magenta pea-like flowers bloom on stalks, creating a striking contrast against its woolly foliage, making it stand out in dry landscapes.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusAstragalus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its name 'locoweed' comes from 'loco,' meaning crazy in Spanish, because animals act strangely after eating it!
Some Native American tribes traditionally used parts of the plant for ceremonial purposes, despite its toxicity.
The seeds can lie hidden in the soil for decades, waiting for just the right time to sprout!
Woolly Locoweed works with tiny soil bacteria to help enrich the dirt with nitrogen, a vital plant nutrient!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Defender
Woolly Locoweed has a deep taproot to find water far below ground, helping it survive in very dry places.
Ability
Sunscreen Sweater
Its fuzzy, woolly leaves reflect harsh sunlight and trap moisture, keeping the plant cool and hydrated in hot climates.
Ability
Chemical Shield
Woolly Locoweed can produce toxic compounds that protect it from being eaten by most grazing animals.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 1.5-2.5 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to early summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- High
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Two-form Bumble Bee
Bombus bifarius
visits flowers for nectar
symbiotic with
Nodule Bacteria
Rhizobium leguminosarum
lives in roots, fixes nitrogen
eaten by
Domestic Horse
Equus caballus
grazing can cause locoism
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
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.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Endangered
Endangered status indicates a species is at a very high risk of extinction in the wild in the near future.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
3/5 · Moderate
Don't touch or eat plants without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Woolly Locoweed?
10-30 cm
How wide does Woolly Locoweed spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Woolly Locoweed?
1.5-2.5 cm
When does Woolly Locoweed bloom?
Spring to early summer
Is Woolly Locoweed edible?
No
Is Woolly Locoweed toxic?
High
What is Woolly Locoweed's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Woolly Locoweed pollinated?
Insect
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