Status:
valid
Authors:
Turcz.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1840
Citation Micro:
Bull. Soc. Imp. Naturalistes Moscou13: 68 (1840)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000213918
Common Names
- Mertens' Locoweed
- Mertens' Oxytropis
- Mertens' Trailing Locoweed
Synonyms
- Spiesia mertensiana (Turcz.) Kuntze [valid]
- Aragallus mertensianus (Turcz.) Greene [valid]
Description
Oxytropis mertensiana (also called Mertens' Locoweed, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to North America. It grows in dry grasslands, stony slopes, and roadsides. It has small yellow flowers and smooth stems and leaves.
Uses & Benefits
Oxytropis mertensiana is used as a fodder crop and is also used in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Oxytropis mertensiana has yellow flowers with a long spur and a hairy calyx. The seeds are small, black and shiny, and the seedlings are hairy and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Oxytropis mertensiana is a perennial herb that grows to a height of 10-30 cm. It is propagated from seed or by cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from the current season's growth and rooted in a moist, well-drained soil mix. Once established, Oxytropis mertensiana is drought tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types.
Where to Find Oxytropis mertensiana
Oxytropis mertensiana is native to western North America. It is found in dry, sandy habitats, such as deserts and steppes.
Oxytropis mertensiana FAQ
What are the common uses of Oxytropis mertensiana?
Oxytropis mertensiana is commonly used as a medicinal plant and forage crop.
What is the growth habit of Oxytropis mertensiana?
Oxytropis mertensiana is an annual or biennial herb that grows up to 1 meter in height.
What is the native range of Oxytropis mertensiana?
Oxytropis mertensiana is native to the Caucasus region of Eurasia.
Species in the Oxytropis genus
Oxytropis sordida,
Oxytropis arctica,
Oxytropis besseyi,
Oxytropis kokrinensis,
Oxytropis lagopus,
Oxytropis lambertii,
Oxytropis oreophila,
Oxytropis parryi,
Oxytropis podocarpa,
Oxytropis sericea,
Oxytropis splendens,
Oxytropis viscida,
Oxytropis mollis,
Oxytropis borealis,
Oxytropis maydelliana,
Oxytropis nigrescens,
Oxytropis bellii,
Oxytropis amethystea,
Oxytropis urumovii,
Oxytropis sulphurea,
Oxytropis strobilacea,
Oxytropis varlakovii,
Oxytropis myriophylla,
Oxytropis glabra,
Oxytropis jordalii,
Oxytropis bicolor,
Oxytropis ochrocephala,
Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa,
Oxytropis turczaninovii,
Oxytropis neglecta,
Oxytropis lanata,
Oxytropis muricata,
Oxytropis oxyphylla,
Oxytropis sylvatica,
Oxytropis admiranda,
Oxytropis aellenii,
Oxytropis afghanica,
Oxytropis asterocarpa,
Oxytropis astragaloides,
Oxytropis aucheri,
Oxytropis baburi,
Oxytropis bicornis,
Oxytropis binaludensis,
Oxytropis boguschii,
Oxytropis cabulica,
Oxytropis chiliophylla,
Oxytropis chionophylla,
Oxytropis chitralensis,
Oxytropis chrysocarpa,
Oxytropis cinerea,
Species in the Fabaceae family