Kokrines Locoweed: A Rare Alaskan Treasure for the Dedicated Native Plant Enthusiast
If you’re looking for a conversation starter that’s rarer than a sunny day in Seattle, meet Kokrines locoweed (Oxytropis kokrinensis). This little-known Alaskan native is about as exclusive as plants get – and for good reason. Before you start planning your garden around this botanical gem, there’s something important you need to know about its conservation status.
A Plant with VIP Status
Kokrines locoweed holds a Global Conservation Status of S3, which translates to Vulnerable in plant conservation terms. This means it’s either very rare throughout its range or found only in restricted areas. With typically just 21 to 100 known occurrences and somewhere between 3,000 to 10,000 individuals in the wild, this perennial forb is definitely not your average garden center find.
Important note: If you’re considering adding this rare beauty to your collection, please ensure any plants or seeds are responsibly sourced from reputable native plant nurseries or conservation programs. Wild collection could harm the already vulnerable populations.
Where in the World is Kokrines Locoweed?
This exclusive little plant calls Alaska home – and only Alaska. It’s particularly associated with the Kokrines Hills region of interior Alaska, which gives it both its common name and its claim to fame as one of the state’s botanical treasures.
What Does It Look Like?
Kokrines locoweed is what botanists call a forb – essentially a non-woody flowering plant that dies back to the ground each winter and returns each spring. Like other members of the locoweed family, it produces charming pea-like flowers in shades of purple to pink, arranged in dense clusters called racemes. The silvery-green compound leaves are covered in fine hairs, giving the plant a soft, fuzzy appearance that’s quite appealing up close.
Should You Grow Kokrines Locoweed?
Here’s where things get interesting. While this plant has undeniable appeal for serious collectors of rare native plants, it’s not exactly beginner-friendly. Consider growing Kokrines locoweed if you:
- Are an experienced grower of alpine or subarctic plants
- Have a specialized rock garden or alpine garden setup
- Are passionate about Alaskan flora conservation
- Live in an extremely cold climate (USDA zones 1-3)
- Can source plants or seeds responsibly
However, you might want to think twice if you’re new to native gardening or live in warmer climates, as this plant is adapted to very specific, harsh conditions.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you decide to take on the challenge of growing this rare Alaskan native, here’s what it needs to thrive:
Climate: Extremely cold hardy (zones 1-3), this plant is built for Alaska’s harsh winters and cool summers. It won’t appreciate warm, humid conditions.
Soil: Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil is essential. Think alpine scree rather than rich garden loam. Poor drainage is likely to be fatal.
Sun: Full sun exposure, just like it would receive in its native subarctic habitat.
Water: Once established, it should be quite drought tolerant, but regular moisture during the growing season is beneficial.
Garden Design Ideas
If you’re lucky enough to grow Kokrines locoweed successfully, it works best in:
- Rock gardens designed to mimic alpine conditions
- Specialized native plant collections
- Cold-climate wildflower gardens
- Educational or conservation-focused landscapes
Benefits for Wildlife
Like other members of the pea family, Kokrines locoweed likely provides nectar for native pollinators, particularly the hardy bees and other insects that can handle Alaska’s challenging climate. The flowers’ structure is perfectly designed for pollination by these subarctic specialists.
The Bottom Line
Kokrines locoweed is a fascinating plant that represents the incredible diversity of Alaska’s flora. While it’s not suitable for most gardens due to its specific climate needs and rare status, it could be a rewarding challenge for experienced growers in very cold climates who are committed to native plant conservation. Just remember – with great rarity comes great responsibility. If you do decide to grow this botanical treasure, make sure you’re doing your part to support its conservation rather than contribute to its decline.
For most gardeners interested in supporting native plants and pollinators, there are many more common and accessible native options that can provide similar benefits without the conservation concerns. But for those special few who are up for the challenge, Kokrines locoweed offers a unique opportunity to grow a piece of Alaska’s wild heritage.
