Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Oxytropis lambertii Pursh
(Purple Loco)


Family: Fabaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
By var., see Allred

Oxytropis lambertii is a velvety acaulescent or nearly acaulescent herb which grows on canyon bottoms and dry streambanks. It is also found on roadsides and disturbed areas, mostly at lower to middle elevations. The inflorescence is purple and elongate. The fruit is a legume or pod which opens from the top down a seam. The seeds are asymmetrical.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Oxytropis lambertii, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Burro Mtns., Rte. 828, May 28, 2007



Oxytropis lambertii, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Deadman Cyn., Oct. 6, 2008



Oxytropis lambertii, 1x macro of empty pod, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Cyn., Dec. 31, 2008



Oxytropis lambertii, 2x macro of seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Saddlerock Cyn., Dec. 31, 2008


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