Colorado Wild Plants and Fungi
by DaySounds © 2013-14




Purple Locoweed/Lambert Crazyweed (Oxytropis lambertii)

The alkaloid toxin swainsonine contained in locoweeds damages the nervous and
digestive systems. Farm animals that have ingested regular and considerable amounts
of locoweed become lethargic and unwilling to follow directions--or normal, standard
procedures, to the point of becoming aggressive. They don't manage to carry on the
normal social behavior with other animals--as they used to. Other possible symptoms
are running in circles (damaged vision) and staggering.
If significant amounts of selenium are found on the soil, the plant absorbs them. When
the plant is consumed by animals, it dramatically increases the effects mentioned above
--the combination proving to be mortal in some cases.
Conclusion: No Locoweed plants should be eaten or consumed internally in any manner.
                                     

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Arvada, CO 80006
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