Yellow locoweed

oxytropis campestris

Also known as: ["field locoweed","yellow false loco"]

Family: Fabaceae Genus: Oxytropis Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to North America, known for its yellow flowers and toxic properties.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","rare/collector’s item"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Oxytropis
Botanical Name: Oxytropis campestris

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or open meadows
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"−40–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"2–7"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter; mimics natural meadow conditions.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates bright indirect light indoors.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil drainage or nutrient issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sun; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure good drainage; adjust frequency based on season and growth stage.

Soil

well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with low fertility

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and sand; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); thrives in cooler climates and can tolerate frost.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent cool temperatures for best growth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer, none in winter

Fertilize only during active growth; avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to remove excess salts.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; seeds can also be sown in early spring.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone if using.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.
  5. Transplant once rooted.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots may develop in 3–6 weeks; establish in new pot within 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips for bushier growth; cut back leggy stems to encourage branching.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or weak stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune dead or damaged stems; shape the plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for root health and growth.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom, avoiding wetting the foliage. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, reducing frequency in fall and winter to prevent root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or browning in prolonged cold.

Cold Stress

Can survive freezing temperatures but prolonged cold may slow growth or cause leaf damage.

Solution: Provide frost protection in extreme cold; ensure good air circulation to prevent mold in damp conditions.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Oxytropis campestris may indicate nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen or iron, or could be a response to environmental stressors like excessive sunlight or waterlogging.

Wilting in Oxytropis campestris is typically a sign of water stress, either due to insufficient soil moisture or root damage that impairs water uptake.

Leaf spots on Oxytropis campestris may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to necrotic lesions that can impair photosynthesis and weaken the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, in Oxytropis campestris is often caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil, leading to fungal infections that degrade root tissues.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Toxic

Cats are highly sensitive to swainsonine, and ingestion can lead to severe metabolic and neurological disturbances. The toxin's effects can be rapidly debilitating, requiring prompt intervention.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy ataxia tremors seizures difficulty breathing
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing Oxytropis campestris. Immediate veterinary care is essential if exposure occurs.
Dogs
Toxic

The same toxic mechanism as in humans applies to dogs, with swainsonine causing similar metabolic disruption and potential neurological damage. Dogs are particularly susceptible to plant toxins due to their smaller size and different metabolic pathways.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy ataxia tremors seizures weakness
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep dogs away from Oxytropis campestris. Contact a veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Humans
Toxic

Oxytropis campestris contains swainsonine, an indolizidine alkaloid that inhibits the lysosomal enzyme alpha-mannosidase, leading to the accumulation of mannose-rich oligosaccharides in cells. This disrupts cellular metabolism, causing a condition similar to lysosomal storage disease, which can result in neurological dysfunction and organ damage.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain confusion ataxia seizures coma
🌿 Toxic Parts:
seeds roots flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid ingestion of any part of the plant. Seek immediate medical attention if accidental ingestion occurs.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Oxytropis campestris toxic to livestock?

A: Yes, it is toxic to livestock, particularly horses and cattle, causing neurological damage.

Q: Does Oxytropis campestris require special care?

A: It prefers well-drained soils and full sun, but is generally drought-tolerant once established.

Q: Does Oxytropis campestris attract pollinators?

A: Yes, its yellow flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it beneficial for pollinator gardens.

Quick Reference
Family: Fabaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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