Oxytropis lambertii

Oxytropis lambertii, also known as Purple locoweed, is a species of flowering plant in the legume family. It is native to North America, where it is found in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.

Description

Oxytropis lambertii is a perennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall. The leaves are pinnate, with 11-21 leaflets. The flowers are purple, and are produced in a dense spike. The fruit is a legume pod, which is inflated and covered with long hairs.

Distribution and habitat

Oxytropis lambertii is native to the central and western United States and Canada. It is found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, open woodlands, and alpine meadows. It is most common in the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains, but its range extends from Alberta and Saskatchewan in the north to Texas and New Mexico in the south.

Ecology

Oxytropis lambertii is a host plant for the larvae of several species of butterflies and moths. It is also a food source for various species of mammals, including pronghorn, elk, and bison. However, it contains a toxic alkaloid, swainsonine, which can cause loco disease in livestock.

Uses

The Native American tribes of the Great Plains used Oxytropis lambertii for medicinal purposes. The Cheyenne used it to treat stomach problems, while the Lakota used it as a remedy for sore throats.

Conservation

Oxytropis lambertii is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, its habitat is threatened by agricultural expansion, urban development, and climate change.