Bessey’s Locoweed: A Rare Prairie Gem Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants and love discovering botanical treasures, Bessey’s locoweed (Oxytropis besseyi var. besseyi) might just capture your imagination. This little-known prairie perennial brings a touch of wild elegance to specialized native gardens, though it comes with some important considerations that any responsible gardener should understand.
What Makes Bessey’s Locoweed Special?
Bessey’s locoweed is a charming perennial forb that forms low, cushion-like clumps across the northern Great Plains. Despite its somewhat ominous common name, this plant offers genuine beauty with its silvery-green compound leaves and clusters of purple to violet flowers that bloom in dense, upright racemes during late spring and early summer.
You might also encounter this plant under its scientific synonyms, including Aragallus besseyi or Oxytropis nana var. besseyi, but regardless of the name, you’re looking at the same distinctive prairie native.
Where Does It Call Home?
This hardy perennial is native to both Canada and the lower 48 states, but don’t expect to find it everywhere. Bessey’s locoweed has a relatively limited natural range, growing primarily in Saskatchewan, Montana, and Wyoming. It’s perfectly adapted to the challenging conditions of the northern Great Plains, where it thrives in the face of harsh winters, hot summers, and limited rainfall.
Should You Plant Bessey’s Locoweed?
Here’s where things get interesting—and a bit complicated. While Bessey’s locoweed is undeniably beautiful and ecologically valuable, the locoweed name isn’t just for show. Like other plants in the Oxytropis genus, this species can contain compounds that are potentially harmful to livestock if consumed in large quantities.
For most home gardeners, this isn’t a deal-breaker, especially if you don’t have grazing animals. However, it’s worth considering if you have pets that might nibble on garden plants or if livestock have access to your landscaped areas.
Garden Design and Landscape Role
If you decide Bessey’s locoweed is right for your space, it excels in several specific garden settings:
- Native plant gardens focused on Great Plains species
- Rock gardens and xeric landscapes
- Prairie restoration projects
- Specialized collections of rare native plants
The plant’s low, cushion-forming growth habit makes it an excellent ground cover for small areas, and its drought tolerance makes it perfect for water-wise landscaping in appropriate climate zones.
Growing Conditions and Care
Bessey’s locoweed is surprisingly easy to grow once you understand its preferences. This tough little perennial thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-6, making it suitable for gardeners dealing with seriously cold winters.
Here’s what it needs to flourish:
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential for best flowering and compact growth
- Soil: Well-drained soils are crucial; it prefers alkaline conditions similar to its native prairie habitat
- Water: Extremely drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Maintenance: Minimal care required beyond occasional weeding
Planting and Propagation Tips
Getting Bessey’s locoweed started requires a bit of patience and the right approach. Seeds need cold stratification to germinate properly, so fall planting works best in most climates. Direct sow seeds in late fall, allowing winter conditions to naturally break seed dormancy.
If you’re starting seeds indoors, you’ll need to simulate winter conditions by giving seeds a cold, moist treatment for several weeks before planting in spring.
Supporting Pollinators and Wildlife
Despite its small stature, Bessey’s locoweed punches above its weight when it comes to supporting native wildlife. The flowers attract various native bees and other small pollinators, contributing to the health of local ecosystems. The plant’s role in its native prairie communities makes it valuable for gardeners interested in creating authentic habitat.
The Bottom Line
Bessey’s locoweed represents both the beauty and complexity of native plant gardening. While it’s not the right choice for every garden or every gardener, those who appreciate rare native plants and have appropriate growing conditions will find it a rewarding addition to specialized native plant collections.
If you’re concerned about the potential issues with livestock or pets, consider exploring other native Great Plains species that might better suit your specific situation. But for the dedicated native plant enthusiast with the right setting, Bessey’s locoweed offers a unique opportunity to grow a genuine piece of prairie heritage.
