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woolly locoweed

Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus var. thompsoniae

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Woolly Locoweed (Astragalus mollissimus)

Woolly locoweed, also spelled wooly locoweed, is a common name for several plants, particularly Astragalus mollissimus. Other common names include woolly loco, woolly milkvetch, and purple locoweed.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant contains an alkaloid, locoine, which can cause livestock to become intoxicated, leading to the name "loco." This suggests potential toxicity to animals if ingested.
  • The plant is covered in fine, soft, short hairs, which might be irritating to some animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Astragalus mollissimus Torr.
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
  • Synonyms: Mentions Astragalus mollissimus var. mollissimus and Astragalus mollissimus ssp. thompsoniae suggesting these are considered either synonyms or subspecies.
  • Also mentioned: Astragalus mollissimus var. bigelovii.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in North America, specifically the Colorado Plateau and Canyonlands.
  • Observed in Utah and Oklahoma, particularly in pastures and roadsides.
  • Also found in Northeastern New Mexico and West Texas.

Ecological Role

  • A native range/prairie perennial plant.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Leaves have 19 to 29 oval to oblong leaflets covered with fine, soft, short hairs.
  • Flowers are purple, lavender, or yellow.
  • Plants can grow up to 45 centimetres (1 1/2 feet) high.
  • Sprawling growth habit.
  • Produces distinctive white woolly seed pods.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Toxic to livestock, causing a specific type of intoxication.
  • Some species are found in soils high in selenium.
  • Preference shown by a specialist weevil for specific varieties of woolly locoweed is noted.

Additional Information

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

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Dave's Garden
  • Discover Life
  • Texas Agricultural Experiment Station
  • iStock (Thinkstock) for stock photos
  • ResearchGate