Maydell's Oxytrope
Oxytropis maydelliana
- Native to:
- Canada, Russia, United States
iNaturalist: © ryan_durand (iNaturalist #197725389)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Oxytropis
- Species:
- Oxytropis maydelliana
- USDA Symbol:
- OXMA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 20 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, pink, white
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Mountain Clouded Yellow (Colias nastes)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- pollinators
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, 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 alpine and arctic regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 4-8 weeks to break dormancy; germination occurs at cool temperatures.
Pre-treatment: None required
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months Requires scarification. Nick or rub between sheets of sandpaper. Requires soaking. Place in warm water until seeds swell, usually 24-48 hours. Discard water and any seeds that remain floating. * tiny seed should be scarified with sandpaper or try soaking in boiling water to penetrate seed coat