How much sun does Yellowflower Locoweed need?

Yellowflower Locoweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Yellowflower Locoweed bloom?

Yellowflower Locoweed blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Yellowflower Locoweed native?

Yellowflower Locoweed (Oxytropis monticola) is native to WY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Yellowflower Locoweed attract?

Yellowflower Locoweed draws bees.

Is Yellowflower Locoweed HOA-friendly?

Yellowflower Locoweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Yellowflower Locoweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Oxytropis monticola

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

bees

Mountain locoweed is a low-growing native wildflower that forms compact mounds with silvery-green compound leaves. It produces clusters of purple or pink pea-like flowers from June through August, creating attractive color in dry sunny areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Yellowflower 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.

Contains toxic compounds that make it unsuitable for front yards
Common name includes 'locoweed' which may concern neighbors
Can appear weedy to those unfamiliar with native plants

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for native bees during summer months. The flowers are particularly valuable for specialist pollinators that depend on legume family plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Yellowflower Locoweed need?: Yellowflower Locoweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Yellowflower Locoweed bloom?: Yellowflower Locoweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Yellowflower Locoweed native?: Yellowflower Locoweed (Oxytropis monticola) is native to WY, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Yellowflower Locoweed attract?: Yellowflower Locoweed draws bees.
Is Yellowflower Locoweed HOA-friendly?: Yellowflower 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 Yellowflower Locoweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz