Field Locoweed
(Oxytropis campestris)
Field Locoweed (Oxytropis campestris)
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Thommybe assumed
CC BY-SA 3.0
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CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo by: Thommybe assumed | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Thommybe | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Oxytropis_campestris_ssp_campestris.JPG | Notes: {{Information |Description=Photograph of . Photo taken [[:en:Tyler Arboretum|Tyler Arboretum]] where it was identified.{{Ram-Man Camera 1 | camera = Nikon D50 | lens = Nikon | focallength = 0 | aperture = 0 | shutter = 0 }} |Source=Own Picture. |D
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Oxytropis campestris, commonly known as Field Locoweed, is a semi-deciduous perennial herb found in a variety of habitats including alpine meadows, grasslands, and open areas in both montane and arctic regions across North America, Europe, and Asia. It typically grows to a height of 20 to 50 cm and features a taproot system. The plant is acaulescent, meaning it does not have a visible stem above ground. The foliage consists of compound leaves with multiple small leaflets. Field Locoweed produces inflorescences of 8 to 32 flowers on a scape, which are showy and range in color from cream to yellow, and occasionally pink, blue, or purple. The flowers have a distinctive calyx tube with five lobes and are adorned with hairs that are usually black. The keel petals are pointed and may have purple blotches. Following the flowering season, which occurs from late spring to early summer, the plant produces legume fruits that mature from July to September.
Field Locoweed is appreciated for its nitrogen-fixing abilities and is often used in wildflower meadows and naturalistic plantings. It is also valued for its unique flower colors and patterns. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained soils. While it can tolerate low to medium water conditions, it is important to avoid overwatering. This plant is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. It is not commonly used in urban settings due to its toxicity to livestock and the potential for it to become weedy. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0
Field Locoweed is appreciated for its nitrogen-fixing abilities and is often used in wildflower meadows and naturalistic plantings. It is also valued for its unique flower colors and patterns. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained soils. While it can tolerate low to medium water conditions, it is important to avoid overwatering. This plant is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. It is not commonly used in urban settings due to its toxicity to livestock and the potential for it to become weedy. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread if conditions are favorable.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 0.7-1.5 feet
- Width: 0.327-0.7 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, Pink, Yellow, White, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Alpine meadows, grasslands, and open areas in montane and arctic regions
Other Names
Common Names: Yellow Locoweed, Yellow Oxytropis, Field Oxytrope, Oxytrope Champêtre, Oxytrope Des Champs, Oxytropis Champêtre, Oxytropis Des Alpes, Oxytropis Des Champs, Ostrolódka Polna, Fältvedel
Scientific Names: , Oxytropis campestris, Oxytropis alpina, Astragalus campestris, Astragalus campestris subsp. alpinus, Oxytropis campestris subsp. alpina, Aragallus johanniensis, Oxytropis campestris subsp. linnaeana, Phaca campestris, Aragallus campestris
GBIF Accepted Name: Oxytropis campestris (L.) DC.