SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 4337.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "4337" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

woolly locoweed

Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Woolly Locoweed (Astragalus mollissimus)

Woolly locoweed, also spelled "wooly" in some sources, is a common name for Astragalus mollissimus, a perennial plant known for its distinctive woolly appearance. Other common names include woolly loco, woolly milkvetch, and purple locoweed.

Considerations for Pets

  • Woolly locoweed is known to be toxic to livestock due to the presence of the alkaloid locoine. This can cause neurological issues, leading to the term "loco" (Spanish for crazy) to describe the intoxication.
  • The plant is covered in fine, soft, short hairs, which may cause mild irritation if ingested or contacted.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus Torr.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
  • Synonyms/Variations:
    • Astragalus mollissimus var. mollissimus
    • Astragalus mollissimus ssp. thompsoniae (Thompson's Woolly Locoweed)
    • Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Woolly locoweed is native to North America, particularly the Western and Southwestern regions.
  • It is found in areas such as the Colorado Plateau, Canyonlands, Utah, New Mexico, West Texas, and Oklahoma.
  • It thrives in range/prairie environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Woolly locoweed is a perennial plant with a sprawling growth habit.
  • Plants can grow up to 45 centimeters (1 1/2 feet) high.
  • The leaves are fern-like with 19 to 29 oval to oblong leaflets covered in fine, soft hairs.
  • The flowers are typically purple, lavender, white, or yellow and pea-like, forming spikes.
  • It produces distinctive white woolly seed pods as it matures.

Ecological Role

  • Woolly locoweed is a native range/prairie plant.
  • It is one of the first Astragalus species to flower in Utah.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It can be a significant grazing component for livestock, especially when grazing pressure is high and other feed is limited.
  • A specialist weevil shows preference for specific varieties of woolly locoweed.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden