Common Name: Haresfoot Locoweed

General Information

Oxytropis lagopus is a densely clump-forming, herbaceous perennial plant growing from a branched caudex; it grows up to 11cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Northwestern N. America - Alberta, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota

Habitat

Sandy bluffs, grassy hillsides, and gravelly knolls, sometimes among sagebrush; at elevations from 1,250 - 2,100 metres.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Oxytropis species generally grow best in a very sunny position in a deep, well-drained, sandy or gritty soil[]. Species such as this one 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[].
We have seen no specific information for this species, but most members of this genus have 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

The plant is chewed to treat a sore throat and to allay swelling[].

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[].