Purple Locoweed

Purple Locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii)

       A native to the United States, the Purple Locoweed (Oxytropis lambertii), found in the central United States west of the Mississippi and north from Texas to Utah and into Canada, is a member of the pea/bean (Fabaceae) family. Other common names include Lambert Crazyweed, Lambert Loco and Stemless Loco.
       Blooming from mid spring (late April in central Oklahoma) through the summer the Purple Locoweed produces 1/4 in to 1 ½ inch purple flowers with white banded centers. Growing in open areas to eight inches tall with flower stalks to two feet tall, the Purple Locoweed grow in dry rocky or sandy/limestone soils in open areas. Also called Stemless Locoweed, Oxytropis lambertii appears “stemless” since the stem does not grow above ground level.
       Leaves from 4 to 9 inches long are separated into leafelets an inch long. The leaves, flowers stalks and buds covered with white hairs give it a grey/silvery appearance.
       Considered a nuisance by ranchers, the Purple Locoweed contains selenium, a toxic chemical if taken in excess. Considered weedy in some areas and dangerous to cattle, it will be eaten by cattle only when no other food is available such as in over grazed pastureland.

Photos taken Aptil 27, 2008, at Little River State Park, Lake Thunderbird area, abandoned park road near Norman, Oklahoma.