Common Name: Field Locoweed

General Information

Oxytropis campestris is a stemless, herbaceous perennial plant producing a clump of growth from a branched caudex; it can grow 10 - 30cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is used in revegetation projects in subalpine regions.

Known Hazards

We have no information for this species, but several members of this genus are known to be potentially toxic, particularly to grazing animals.
Some members of the genus are known to contain the indolizidine alkaloid 'swainsonine'. Chronic intoxication with this alkaloid causes a variety of neurological disorders in grazing animals along with reduced appetite which can lead to weight loss and cessation of reproductive ability. Swainsonine has also been found to have potential for use in anti-cancer drug treatments.
In some species, other alkaloids are suspected of causing toxicity.
In addition, some members of the genus have been reported to accumulate selenium - although this is an essential trace element it can be toxic in higher doses. Signs and symptoms of selenium toxicity include a garlic odour on the breath, gastrointestinal disorders, hair loss, sloughing of nails, fatigue, irritability, and neurological damage - in extreme cases it can result in death.

Botanical References

Range

Northern regions of N. America and Europe, extending south to the mountain ranges of southern Europe; E. Asia - eastern Siberia

Habitat

Dry meadows and on debris accumulations, talus and scree slopes, boulder fell fields, and in areas with little soil and sparse vegetative cover[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Bees
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Oxytropis campestris is a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -35°c when fully dormant[].
Oxytropis species generally grow best in a very sunny position in a deep, well-drained, sandy or gritty soil[]. This species grows best in sandy loam to clay loam soils[]. It is tolerant of moderately saline soils and low nutrient conditons but does not tolerate water-saturated soils such as heavy clay. It is drought tolerant but not at all tolerant of excessive shade[]. Species with woolly leaves greatly resent winter wet[].
Many species in this genus are suitable as ornamentals, valued for their clusters of flowers and their attractive foliage. However, species often fail in cultivation, often because of a lack of an appropriate Rhizobium bacterium[].
Members of this genus are generally resentful of root disturbance and, if the seed is not sown in situ, then seedlings need to be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the root is used in purification rituals - it is taken internally, and also poured on the head when in a sweathouse[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Oxytropis campestris has been recommended for use in the revegetation of subalpine sites. At 750 metres in Alaska,
containerized seedlings showed 80 percent and 100 percent survival after one growing season with and without added topsoil. Yellow locoweed is an excellent soil builder and has high erosion control capabilities[].
The plant has been found as a pioneer on alkaline glacial outwash in Alsaka and in Alberta on a coal mine spoil that was exposed to severe wind and drought[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow in a greenhouse in early spring. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as the cotyledons emerge in order to avoid damage to the root. Grow them on in deep pots in a cold greenhouse or cold frame, and plant them out the following spring[].
The seed is easily collected but requires a lengthy period of dormancy and has a low germination rate of around 10%[].