Jacquin's locoweed
oxytropis jacquinii
Also known as: ["Jacquin's crazyweed","Jacquin's oxytropis"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to mountainous regions, known for its toxic properties and pea-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Oxytropis |
| Botanical Name: | Oxytropis jacquinii |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock garden or alpine trough
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy loam with some organic matter. A mix of cactus soil and regular potting mix can work well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season, with more significant shaping in early spring if required.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate, depending on the plant's condition and desired shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours per day. Can tolerate some direct morning sun but should be protected from intense afternoon sun, especially in summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate the plant gradually to direct sunlight if moving from indoors or shade. Avoid placing in locations with harsh, direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. For indoor placement, ensure proximity to a bright window with filtered light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate the plant weekly for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot; adjust frequency based on season and weather conditions.
Soil
well-drained, sandy loam with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral, pH 6.5–7.5.
Use a mix that mimics its natural habitat; ensure excellent drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost.
Avoid placing near drafty windows or heat sources; maintain consistent temperatures; protect from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Always water before fertilizing to prevent root burn; flush the soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use a fertilizer with micronutrients for optimal growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division are the most effective methods for Oxytropis jacquinii.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in propagation medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
Best Time: Early spring, when the plant is actively growing, is the best time for propagation.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), indirect light, and warm temperatures (65–75°F or 18–24°C) are ideal for rooting.
Medium
A well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand works well for cuttings.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings typically root in 4–6 weeks under optimal conditions and may take several months to establish as independent plants.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use sterile tools to prevent disease; maintain consistent moisture in the medium; provide bottom heat if possible to speed up rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back tips to encourage branching; remove any dead, diseased, or crossing stems; shape the plant as desired.
Pruning Plan
Pruning should focus on maintaining shape, removing dead or damaged growth, and encouraging bushier development. Light pruning is generally sufficient for this species.
Tools
Pruning shears, sharp scissors, or a knife.
Checklist
Sterilize tools before use; prune during active growth; remove dead or diseased parts; shape lightly to encourage bushiness.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, before the onset of the active growing season, is the best time to repot.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by one inch in diameter or choose a container that is 10–20% larger than the current one.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its pot, trim any dead or crowded roots, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, as it benefits from fresh soil and room to grow.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage holes; prepare fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in a shaded area for a few days to recover.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the root zone; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution without saturating the soil. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water moderately during active growth in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in fall and winter to match dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost or well-rotted manure for organic matter; ensure the soil is loose and aerated.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessively hot conditions; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration or drop. Prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can damage or kill the plant.
Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C). Protect from frost with a cover or bring indoors during cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, or premature flowering. High temperatures may also increase water demand, leading to dehydration if not managed.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity around the plant, and water more frequently to compensate for faster evaporation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter fertilization; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are also at risk of toxicity from Oxytropis jacquinii due to the presence of swainsonine. The compound induces locoism, leading to neurological and systemic effects as a result of disrupted cellular metabolism and vacuolar degeneration.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicSimilar to humans, dogs are susceptible to the toxic effects of swainsonine in Oxytropis jacquinii. Ingestion can lead to locoism, causing neurological and systemic symptoms due to the disruption of cellular metabolism and vacuolar degeneration in vital organs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicOxytropis jacquinii contains toxic compounds, primarily swainsonine, which inhibits the enzyme mannosidase, leading to the accumulation of mannose-containing oligosaccharides in cells. This disrupts cellular metabolism, causing vacuolar degeneration in various tissues, particularly the liver, kidneys, and brain. The condition is known as locoism, characterized by neurological dysfunction and systemic organ damage.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Oxytropis jacquinii toxic to humans?
A: Yes, it is toxic to humans and should not be ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: What are the common problems with Oxytropis jacquinii?
A: Common issues include yellow leaves and wilting.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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