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woolly locoweed

Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus var. mogollonicus

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Woolly Locoweed (Astragalus mollissimus)

Woolly locoweed is a common name used in North America, particularly for Astragalus mollissimus. It is also sometimes referred to as crazyweed or loco.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant contains an alkaloid, locoine, which is toxic to livestock, causing them to exhibit unusual behavior.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus Torr.
  • Common Names: Woolly locoweed, Woolly loco, Purple locoweed, Woolly milkvetch, Wooly Locoweed, Wooly Loco
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
  • Subspecies: Astragalus mollissimus var. mollissimus, Astragalus mollissimus ssp. thompsoniae, Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii
  • Synonyms: Astragalus millissimus (misspelling)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands.
  • Observed in Southern Utah, growing near the top of a hill in the desert canyonlands.
  • Present in Goodwell and Texhoma, Oklahoma, along pastures and roadsides.
  • Also found northwest of Chiricahua.
  • Mentioned as present in Northeastern New Mexico and West Texas.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Simple perennial plant with a sprawling growth habit.
  • Reaches up to 45 centimeters (1 1/2 feet) high.
  • Leaves are fernlike with 19 to 29 oval to oblong leaflets covered with fine, soft, short hairs.
  • Flowers are purple, lavender, or yellow and pealike, forming spikes.
  • Forms distinctive white woolly seed pods after flowering.

Ecological Role

  • It is one of the first Astragalus species to flower in Utah.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Grazed by cattle; high grazing pressure can force cattle to consume it, leading to toxicity.
  • Preference for specific varieties by a specialist weevil.

Quirky Facts

  • The name "locoweed" is derived from the Spanish word for "crazy," referring to the intoxication it causes in livestock.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • Dave's Garden
  • Inventory of Canadian Agricultural Weeds (2003)