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woolly locoweed

Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus var. earlei

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Woolly Locoweed (Astragalus mollissimus)

Woolly locoweed, also known as wooly locoweed or purple locoweed, is a perennial plant native to North America. The common name "locoweed" (and "loco") comes from the Spanish word for "crazy" and describes the intoxication it causes in livestock.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant contains an alkaloid, locoine, that is toxic to livestock, including horses.
  • The plant is covered with fine, soft, short hairs.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus Torr.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
  • Synonyms: The text mentions varieties such as Astragalus mollissimus var. mollissimus and Astragalus mollissimus ssp. thompsoniae.

Common Names

  • Woolly Locoweed
  • Woolly Loco
  • Woolly Milkvetch
  • Purple Locoweed
  • Wooly Locoweed
  • Wooly Loco

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands.
  • Common in the West and Southwest of North America.
  • Observed growing in Southern Utah.
  • Also mentioned in locations such as Utah, Goodwell and Texhoma, Oklahoma, and Northeastern New Mexico.

Ecological Role

  • Native range/prairie plant.
  • Some species are found in soils high in selenium.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial plant.
  • Sprawling growth habit.
  • Grows up to 45 centimeters (1 1/2 feet) high.
  • Variable hairiness.
  • Fern-like leaves with 19 to 29 oval to oblong leaflets covered with fine, soft, short hairs.
  • Spikes of pea-like flowers, typically purple, lavender, or yellow.
  • Flowers in early-mid spring.
  • Produces distinctive white woolly seed pods.

Quirky Facts

  • Woolly locoweed is one of the first Astragalus species to flower in Utah.
  • The name "locoweed" is derived from the Spanish word for crazy and is used to describe the particular intoxication and the effect it has on animals that ingest it.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Toxic to livestock due to the presence of the alkaloid locoine.
  • Mention of a specialist weevil showing preference for specific varieties of woolly locoweed.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database is mentioned as a source for images and information.
  • Dave's Garden is referenced as a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
  • Discover Life provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Astragalus mollissimus.