Arctic Locoweed

Oxytropis arctica

Native to:
Canada, Russia, United States
Arctic Locoweed

David McCorquodale (www.inaturalist.org)

📍 View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Oxytropis
Species:
Oxytropis arctica
USDA Symbol:
OXAR2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
15 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
purple, violet, pink

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rocky, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to Arctic regions with harsh conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Hard seed coat typical of Fabaceae requires scarification. Cold stratification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI