Early Yellow Locoweed
Oxytropis sericea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Early Yellow Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) 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 × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CO, ID, KS, MT and 9 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Silky crazyweed is a low-growing native wildflower with silvery, silky foliage and spikes of purple pea-like flowers. This drought-tolerant perennial forms compact clumps and blooms from May through July.
In an HOA neighborhood
Early Yellow 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.
- Plant is toxic to livestock and potentially pets
- Common name includes 'locoweed' which may raise HOA concerns
- May appear too wild or weedy for formal landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a member of the legume family, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.
Common questions
- How much sun does Early Yellow Locoweed need?
- Early Yellow Locoweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Early Yellow Locoweed bloom?
- Early Yellow Locoweed blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Early Yellow Locoweed native?
- Early Yellow Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) is native to CO, ID, KS, MT and 9 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Early Yellow Locoweed toxic to dogs?
- Early Yellow Locoweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Early Yellow Locoweed toxic to cats?
- Early Yellow Locoweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Early Yellow Locoweed attract?
- Early Yellow Locoweed draws bees and beetles.
- Is Early Yellow Locoweed HOA-friendly?
- Early Yellow 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 Early Yellow 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