There are several types of Locoweed that can be found in K-Country. These include a few Astragalus (Milkvetch) species, and several in the Oxytropis family. One of our favourites is Oxytropis sericea, commonly known as Early Yellow Locoweed. This is a small herbaceous plant that is native to North America and fairly common in K-Country.
Tall and buttery
Early Yellow Locoweed typically grows to a height of around 10 to 25 cm. It has silky silver-green leaves that are covered in fine hairs, which give the plant a velvety texture. The flowers of Early Yellow Locoweed are butter yellow and form in clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from May to July.
Early Yellow Locoweed prefers dry, well-drained soils and can be found in open grasslands, meadows, and slopes. It is most commonly found at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 meters. In K-Country, Early Yellow Locoweed can be found growing on rocky slopes, in alpine meadows, and in subalpine forests.
Indigenous peoples in North America traditionally used Early Yellow Locoweed for medicinal purposes. The Blackfoot tribe of Alberta, for example, used a decoction of the roots to treat respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis. The roots were also used to treat digestive issues, including stomach pain and constipation. The leaves of the plant were sometimes used as a poultice to relieve pain and inflammation.
Caution advised
However, it is important to note that Early Yellow Locoweed contains toxic alkaloids. These can cause a condition known as “locoweed poisoning” in livestock if they consume the plant. The condition can cause neurological symptoms and can be fatal if left untreated. Therefore, it is essential to handle the plant with care and not to consume it. Since some sections of K-Country permit free range cattle, this is often a cause for concern.
See some of the other pretty flowerts of K-Country here!
