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woolly locoweed

Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus var. marcidus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Woolly Locoweed (Astragalus mollissimus)

Woolly locoweed, also known as wooly locoweed, purple locoweed, woolly loco, and woolly milkvetch, is a perennial plant known for its potential effects on livestock. The name "locoweed" itself comes from the Spanish word for "crazy," reflecting the intoxication it can cause in animals.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant contains an alkaloid, locoine, which can cause livestock to exhibit unusual behavior, sometimes referred to as going "loco."
  • The plant is described as having fine, soft, short hairs covering its leaflets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus Torr.
  • Common Names: Woolly locoweed, wooly locoweed, purple locoweed, woolly loco, woolly milkvetch. Other locoweed species may be referred to as crazyweed or loco.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
  • Varieties: Astragalus mollissimus var. mollissimus, Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii, Astragalus mollissimus ssp. thompsoniae
  • Synonyms: *Astragalus millissimus* (misspelling)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Woolly locoweed is native to North America.
  • It is found in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Utah, the Davis Mountains of Texas, west Texas, Northeastern New Mexico, Goodwell and Texhoma, Oklahoma, and areas northwest of Chiricahua.
  • It is often found in range/prairie environments and along roadsides.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a perennial plant with a sprawling growth habit.
  • The plant can grow up to 45 centimeters (1 1/2 feet) high.
  • Leaves are fern-like with 19 to 29 oval to oblong leaflets.
  • Leaflets are covered with fine, soft, short hairs, giving it a "woolly" appearance.
  • Flowers are purple, lavender, or yellow and pea-like, growing in spikes.
  • It produces distinctive white woolly seed pods.

Ecological Role

  • Woolly locoweed is one of the first Astragalus species to flower in Utah.
  • Some species of locoweed are found in soils high in selenium.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It is a food source for livestock, though it can cause poisoning due to the presence of locoine.
  • A specialist weevil exhibits a preference for specific varieties of woolly locoweed.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • iStock/Thinkstock (stock photos)