Mountain Oxytrope
Oxytropis oreophila
Last reviewed: September 2026
Mountain Oxytrope (Oxytropis oreophila) 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
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, UT
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
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Mountain oxytrope is a compact perennial wildflower that forms low mounds of delicate foliage. It produces clusters of small purple or pink pea-like flowers from May through July, creating seasonal color in dry garden settings.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mountain Oxytrope 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 and informal for front yard landscaping
- Unknown leaf retention makes seasonal appearance unpredictable
- Small size may look sparse in maintained landscape beds
Wildlife value
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies 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 Mountain Oxytrope need?
- Mountain Oxytrope grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Mountain Oxytrope bloom?
- Mountain Oxytrope blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Mountain Oxytrope native?
- Mountain Oxytrope (Oxytropis oreophila) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Mountain Oxytrope toxic to dogs?
- Mountain Oxytrope is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Mountain Oxytrope toxic to cats?
- Mountain Oxytrope is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- What pollinators does Mountain Oxytrope attract?
- Mountain Oxytrope draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Mountain Oxytrope HOA-friendly?
- Mountain Oxytrope 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Mountain Oxytrope? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz