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woolly locoweed

Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus var. mollissimus

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.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant contains an alkaloid, locoine, which can cause neurological issues in livestock.
  • Covered with many soft hairs.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus Torr.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
  • Common Names: Woolly locoweed, Woolly loco, Purple locoweed, Woolly milkvetch, Wooly locoweed, Wooly loco.
  • Synonyms/Variations: Astragalus mollissimus var. mollissimus, Astragalus mollissimus ssp. thompsoniae, Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in North America, particularly in the Western and Southwestern regions.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include the Colorado Plateau, Canyonlands, Utah, New Mexico, West Texas, Chiricahua, Goodwell and Texhoma Oklahoma, and Davis Mountains of Texas.
  • Native to range/prairie environments.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial plant with a sprawling growth habit.
  • Reaches up to 45 centimeters (1 1/2 feet) in height.
  • Leaves are fernlike with 19 to 29 oval to oblong leaflets covered in fine, soft, short hairs.
  • Flowers are purple, lavender, yellow, white, pink
  • Flowers in early to mid-spring.

Ecological Role

  • It 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

  • The plant is toxic to livestock, causing neurological issues.
  • Preference for specific varieties of woolly locoweed by a specialist weevil.

Further Information

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