Growing Locoweed (Oxytropis): A Hardy Native with a Notorious Name
Despite its somewhat alarming common name, locoweed represents a fascinating genus of hardy perennial wildflowers that have adapted to some of North America’s most challenging environments. While the name locoweed might make you think twice, these resilient native plants offer unique benefits for the right garden situation – though they do come with some important considerations.
What Exactly is Locoweed?
Oxytropis, commonly known as locoweed, is a genus of perennial forbs in the legume family. These are herbaceous plants without woody stems that return year after year from their root systems. The locoweed name comes from the fact that some species can be toxic to grazing livestock, causing neurological issues – but this toxicity generally isn’t a concern for home gardeners who aren’t raising cattle or sheep.
Where Does Locoweed Call Home?
Locoweed is truly a child of the North Country. It’s native to Alaska and Canada, with its native status in the lower 48 states being less clearly defined. However, you can find various Oxytropis species growing across an impressive range that includes Alberta, British Columbia, Alaska, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Arizona, California, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Colorado, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Labrador, and Newfoundland.
The Appeal of Locoweed in Your Garden
Don’t let the name fool you – locoweed can be quite attractive in the right setting. These plants produce clusters of small, vibrant flowers that come in shades of purple, pink, white, or yellow, depending on the species. The compound leaves are made up of narrow leaflets that create an delicate, feathery texture. Most species stay relatively low to the ground, making them excellent for creating colorful carpets in challenging locations.
Where Locoweed Shines in Landscape Design
Locoweed isn’t your typical garden center perennial, but it has some specialized roles where it truly excels:
- Rock gardens and alpine plantings
- Prairie and meadow restorations
- Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes
- Naturalized areas and wildlife gardens
- Challenging sites with poor or rocky soil
Growing Conditions That Make Locoweed Happy
Locoweed is definitely not a high-maintenance plant. In fact, it thrives on neglect once established:
- Sunlight: Full sun is essential
- Soil: Well-drained soils, tolerates poor and rocky conditions
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- pH: Prefers alkaline conditions
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 2-7, loves cold climates
Planting and Care Tips
Growing locoweed requires patience and understanding of its natural habits:
- Direct seed in fall for best results
- Seeds require cold stratification to germinate
- Once established, requires minimal maintenance
- Avoid fertilizers and rich soils
- Water sparingly – overwatering is more harmful than drought
- Allow plants to self-seed for natural colonies
Benefits for Wildlife and Pollinators
Locoweed flowers are valuable nectar sources for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, especially in harsh climates where few other plants bloom. These tough little plants often provide crucial early or late-season nutrition for pollinators in challenging environments.
Should You Plant Locoweed?
Locoweed isn’t for every garden or every gardener. It’s best suited for those who:
- Garden in harsh, northern climates
- Want to support native ecosystems
- Enjoy low-maintenance, naturalized plantings
- Have challenging sites with poor soil
- Appreciate subtle, wild beauty over flashy garden displays
Important note: If you have livestock or are in an area where livestock graze, exercise caution as some species can be toxic to animals.
For most home gardeners, locoweed offers an opportunity to grow something truly unique – a hardy native that asks for little but gives back with reliable blooms and wildlife support. Just remember that this is a plant that marches to its own drummer, preferring the harsh beauty of wild places to the pampered life of a typical garden perennial.
