Showy Locoweed
Oxytropis splendens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Showy Locoweed (Oxytropis splendens) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Showy Locoweed as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–12" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, MN, MT, ND and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees
Showy locoweed is a compact prairie perennial with silvery-green foliage and bright purple flower spikes that bloom through summer. This low-growing plant forms neat clumps and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Showy 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.
- Name contains 'locoweed' which raises toxicity concerns
- May appear too wild or weedy for formal landscapes
- Unfamiliar to most homeowners and HOA boards
Wildlife value
The purple flowers attract native bees and other pollinators during the long summer bloom period. This legume also fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.
Common questions
- How much sun does Showy Locoweed need?
- Showy Locoweed grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Showy Locoweed bloom?
- Showy Locoweed blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Showy Locoweed native?
- Showy Locoweed (Oxytropis splendens) is native to CO, MN, MT, ND and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Showy Locoweed toxic to dogs?
- Showy Locoweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Showy Locoweed toxic to cats?
- Showy Locoweed is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Showy Locoweed toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Showy Locoweed as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Showy Locoweed attract?
- Showy Locoweed draws bees.
- Is Showy Locoweed HOA-friendly?
- Showy 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 Showy 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