Boreal Locoweed
Oxytropis borealis
Last reviewed: June 2026
Boreal Locoweed (Oxytropis borealis) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MN and 6 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Oxytropis borealis is a compact native wildflower that forms small, neat clumps in sunny locations. This drought-tolerant perennial produces colorful blooms from June through August while requiring minimal water once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Boreal Locoweed takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Appears too wild or weedy for formal landscaping
- May not be recognized as intentional planting
- Unknown dormancy appearance could be problematic
Wildlife value
The summer flowers provide nectar for native bees and butterflies during the peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Boreal Locoweed need?
- Boreal Locoweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Boreal Locoweed bloom?
- Boreal Locoweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Boreal Locoweed native?
- Boreal Locoweed (Oxytropis borealis) is native to CA, CO, ID, MN and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Boreal Locoweed toxic to dogs?
- Boreal Locoweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Boreal Locoweed toxic to cats?
- Boreal Locoweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Boreal Locoweed attract?
- Boreal Locoweed draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Boreal Locoweed HOA-friendly?
- Boreal Locoweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Boreal Locoweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz